The New York Fashion Week events kicked off in style at the iconic VFILES SoHo location on 12 Mercer Street. Steeped in fashion history, this venue has been at the forefront of nurturing young talent since its inception in 2012. Opening its doors with a bang, featuring Hood by Air and ASAP Rocky in June 2012, the VFILES Store quickly became a cherished space for emerging designers to establish their brands in the heart of NYC. Julie Anne Quay, a driving force behind the VFILES Foundation, highlights the organization’s mission to elevate young designers and artists. She explains, “We are reestablishing a showcase at 12 Mercer and establishing the new VFDA (VFILES Designer Alumni) to further support those designers and artists who have been featured in VFILES Runway and in many iterations of the store over the past decade.”
Guests including Rebecca Black, VFILES fellow and professional ballet dancer Gabe Stone Shayer and 88 Rising artist Spence Lee joined the NYFW opening to see a stunning array of designs by talented individuals, including Kim Shui, Sami Miro, Elena Velez, Leaf Xia, Seokwoon Yoon, Hubane Cozy, Celine Kwan, Ari Serrano, Gypsy Sport, Skdrow fashion, and the iconic VFILES namesake brand. This exciting announcement coincides with the celebration of the tenth year anniversary of VFILES RUNWAY, which made its debut in 2013. The runway has seen the spotlight on celebrated designers like Gypsy Sport, Sam MC, Steven Tai, and Ammerman Schlossberg.
Aliza Kelly at VFILES NYFW Opening Night and Manifestation
To commemorate this milestone, VFILES Fellow Aliza Kelly, led the gathering in group affirmations, encouraging everyone to drop their thoughts into the Affirmation Wheel. Later in the night, VFILES continued the celebration by hosting a special NYFW edition of their beloved Pass The Aux series at Bowery Electric. The stage came alive with performances by Rebecca Black and Delly, accompanied by Godspeed.
Rebecca Black on stage at VFILES Pass The Aux
SCHEDULE OF NYFW EVENTS:
- Sept 7th: Opening VFILES FOUNDATION @ 12 MERCER Fashion Week Manifestation with Aliza Kelly** VFILES Lab Fellow
- Sept 3rd: Gypsy Sport casting @12 Mercer studio – 1:00-5:00 pm ET
- Sept 4th -10th : Sami Miro residency @12 Mercer Studio
- Sept 8th – 12th: Ari Serrano’s Sweatshop – Upcycle sewing classes in the basement @12 Mercer Studio
- Sept 11th: Hubane Cozy Show @12 Mercer Studio
- Sept 12th: “Love Kelly” @12 Mercer Studio
The VFILES NYFW schedule is packed with dynamic events, including a casting session by Gypsy Sport, a residency by Sami Miro, Ari Serrano’s Sweatshop offering upcycle sewing classes, Hubane Cozy’s much-anticipated show, and “Love Kelly,” a creative gathering at 12 Mercer Studio.
Checkout our reel recap of the event below: