At a time when fad foods seem to be reinventing themselves and popping up on every corner of New York City (cough cough – frozen yogurt), Sandwell has managed to carve out a niche of its own in the sandwich scene. With locations in Gramercy and on the Upper West Side, the self-described “healthyish” sandwich shop focuses on high-quality ingredients, unique recipes, and flavors that feel both comforting and novel.
Perched along the Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront, Kiwami offers the kind of omakase experience that feels elevated and intimate, but still casual enough to feel welcoming.
The Edison ballroom hosted one of our favorite Fashion Week events of the season: HiTechModa’s biannual runway shows. We stopped by for Friday night’s Premier Designers showcase, featuring collections ffrom Alonso Maximo Design, Victoria Amerson, Marc Defang, Suave Suits by Wajahat Mirza, Karen Gold, Paaie, and Jus10n by Justin Hayes.
Known for reimagining fashion production through diversity, sustainability, and innovation, hiTechMODA delivered an energetic, tightly produced program. Designers from across the globe – emerging voices alongside established names -brought distinct points of view rooted in culture, craft, and modern luxury. As founder and executive producer Pamela Privette articulated, hiTechModa’s mission is “to open doors and expand the definition of who belongs on the runway,” and to “bring together designers whose work reflects innovation, culture, and the future of fashion.” That’s an objective we can unequivocally applaud.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 13: Models walk the runway wearing Alonso Maximo Design during the HITECHMODA New York Fashion Week Season 15 production at Edison Ballroom on February 13, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for hiTechMODA)
The depth and variety of design perspectives embodied that mission. From Victoria Amerson’s 1950s-inspired silhouettes and playful prints to Paaie’s modern South Asian glamour, the lineup on the runway felt like a true crossroads: different aesthetics, inspirations, and communities, but united by the belief that fashion is a global language.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 13: A model walks the runway wearing Paaie during the HITECHMODA New York Fashion Week Season 15 production at Edison Ballroom on February 13, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for hiTechMODA)
Now, the show itself.
Alonso Maximo Design opened up the night with bold, formal attire featuring dramatic silhouettes such as bright red, ruffled sleeves, and low cut men’s shirting with midnight blue sequins.
Victoria Amerson followed with a soft, romantic nod to a bygone era: dainty blues, florals, bows, and long A-line skirts. One standout look paired a Tiffany-blue suit with an undone, berry-toned floral tie draped down the sides, plus a black button-down peeking through: elegant with an added flair.
Then Marc Defang reinvigorated the room: models ballet dancing up and down the runway in feathered white leotards to “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” It pushed the boundaries of what we expect from a typical Fashion Week presentation, staying true to hiTechMODA’s spirit.
Suave Suits reimagined the suit through varied cuts, colors, and occasions, stretching the category far beyond the traditional definition.
Karen Gold brought bespoke formalwear with a contemporary edge. Unexpected waistlines, sculptural shoulder construction, and the rare combination of pieces that feel truly fresh and genuinely wearable.
Paaie, a contemporary South Asian occasionwear designer, brought out some of the most stunning, refreshing takes on lehengas, saris, and suits – their gilded pieces absolutely lit up the room. Glamorous without being
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 13: Models walk the runway wearing JUS10H by Justin Haynes during the HITECHMODA New York Fashion Week Season 15 production at Edison Ballroom on February 13, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for hiTechMODA)
overdone, modern while honoring heritage.
And finally, the featured guest designer Jus10n by Justin Haynes blew the crowd away with patchwork suiting, streetwear, and outerwear that highlighted creativity at its best. The energy was undeniable, each designer brought a distinct point of view, and the crowd stayed locked in from start to finish.
hiTechMODA’s New York shows also continue a bigger run of international momentum for the program, following showcases in Paris, Milan, Tokyo, and Cannes, while still keeping New York as its creative home base. NYFW is supposed to be the world meeting in one city, and hiTechMODA delivers on that feeling.
Salumeria Rosi bursts onto the scene in East Village, offering a lively scene to brighten up the avenues. As the second location of this beloved UWS staple, they’re debuting some exclusive offerings such as the café menu and extended bar hours as the warmer months take over.
Dumbo gets a brand new hometown spot this November! Ziggy’s Roman Cafe, founded by Employees Only alums Helen Zhang and Igor Hadzismajlovic, will be serving “roman classics with a twist” on the East River waterside starting November 15th.
Walking into Port Sa’id, you’re greeted by a warm, lively energy. A refined Mediterranean escape in the heart of downtown, just west of Soho, Port Sa’id’s sprawling venue includes a stage with live musicians playing cool, subdued tunes throughout your meal. But it’s not distracting; it blends well with the effortless vibe of the place: rustic wood, soft lighting, and a buzz of conversation.
Malka in Dumbo offers an elevated respite from the busy tourist-filled cobblestone streets right under the bridge. Started by Chef Eyal Shani of one of our favorite wine bars, Shmone Wine, Malka is an Italian-inspired, kosher-certified restaurant that is guaranteed to impress on a date night or evening with coworkers.
Kebabishq, a new East Village gem from the creators of Ishq and Gazab, recently opened on 2nd Avenue. We stopped by to chat with the founders about their vision for the restaurant, and of course, to sample some of their delicious kebabs.
At first glance, Shmoné Wine Bar feels like a new entrant into the Greenwich Village dining scene, but a closer look reveals its long-standing reputation for quality and luxury. The latest venture by acclaimed chef Eyal Shani and SAGA alumni Yonatan Chaitchik, Shmoné Wine is an intimate wine bar right next to the Michelin-starred restaurant, Shmoné, in Greenwich Village. Opened in February 2025, they offer an exclusive selection of small batch wines and inventive small plates in a cozy, refined setting.
Ippudo, a well-known ramen restaurant, recently launched their vegan restaurant called ippudo V in Dumbo, Brooklyn. Ippudo has long been synonymous with delicious, flavorful ramen broths and noodles, and now they’re pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation with a fully vegan restaurant offering sushi, ramen, and more. They hosted an event last week welcoming vegan foodies to a unique dining experience that combined authentic flavors with modern, vegan twists.