News Summary
KFN, a new initiative by former IMG executives, introduces the Venue Collective to NY Fashion Week, providing designers with access to free venues. Launching in September, the collective aims to ease the logistical challenges of securing spaces, allowing a focus on creativity. With ten fully contracted venues and essential logistics support, KFN hopes to foster diversity and accessibility, encouraging more designers to participate in the iconic fashion event. Plans for an upcoming entertainment festival in 2026 further highlight KFN’s commitment to revitalizing the fashion landscape in New York City.
New York City – A new initiative is set to transform New York Fashion Week (NYFW) as KFN, a company established by former executives from IMG and Spring Studios, announces the launch of the Venue Collective. This new network of fashion show venues will offer designers access to free spaces starting in September, significantly alleviating the logistical burdens associated with securing venues in the competitive landscape of NYC fashion.
The Venue Collective will comprise ten fully contracted spaces strategically located in close proximity to facilitate seamless operations during the high-pressure fashion week period. Each venue will not only provide the physical space but will also include essential back-of-the-house logistics support at no cost. This support encompasses critical backstage infrastructure and communication systems, which are vital for producers and designers who often face significant obstacles in executing their shows.
At the helm of this initiative is Leslie Russo, who is known for her role as the former head of fashion events at IMG and now the founder of The Culture Shop. Collaborating with KFN, Russo is focused on reshaping NYFW to create a more structured and accessible platform for designers. With KFN’s aim to revamp the existing process where designers historically scramble for venues each season, the organization seeks to make participation in NYFW less intimidating and more feasible for emerging and established talent alike.
In addition to hosting fashion shows, KFN has ambitious plans to create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the fashion week. They will be running a daily morning salon designated for editors and buyers, alongside developing designated presentation and showroom appointment spaces. This initiative directly targets the refusal of operational and high production costs that many designers grapple with during the event.
To ensure a well-rounded perspective on the issues facing designers, KFN’s co-founders, Russo and Imad Izemrane, engaged with various focus groups comprising designers and marketers. This outreach has allowed them to gather valuable feedback on the challenges encountered during fashion week, driving the initiative’s development.
Looking towards the future, KFN has laid out plans for an “entertainment festival” slated for 2026, which aims to showcase American fashion while fostering cultural connections. With an expected attendance of 5,000 individuals, this festival is also intended to reach audiences beyond the traditional fashion demographic, thus providing an additional revenue stream for both participants and organizers.
The CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) expressed optimism that KFN’s initiatives will draw a broader array of designers to showcase their collections in New York, thereby enhancing the overall diversity and energy of the fashion week experience. KFN is committed to invigorating NYFW by promoting inclusion and accessibility for a wide range of designers, ensuring that innovative fashion takes center stage.
Moving forward, designers interested in the Venue Collective will need to commit to three consecutive seasons. This requirement is designed to build momentum for their brands over time, enabling them to leverage the resources and support offered through KFN.
KFN’s establishment represents a pivotal shift in the operational model of NYFW, marking a commitment to recapturing the excitement that once defined the iconic fashion celebration. With its focus on community engagement, KFN has plans for additional phases that may include public events and digital platforms aimed at furthering interaction among designers and their audiences.
In summary, KFN’s Venue Collective aims to reshape the landscape of New York Fashion Week by providing accessible, well-supported venue options for designers. By addressing the operational challenges faced by many and fostering a sense of community, KFN is hoping to restore some of the vibrancy that has characterized NYFW in its past.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Business of Fashion
- Wikipedia: New York Fashion Week
- Fashionista
- Google Search: New York Fashion Week
- The Impression
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New York Fashion Week
- WWD
- Google News: KFN New York Fashion Week
- New York Times
