Designer Tommy Hilfiger transformed Midtown Manhattan's historic Plaza Hotel into a star-studded runway spectacle on Thursday afternoon, September 10, 2026, drawing an elite crowd of athletes, musicians, and actors for his New York Fashion Week show. The high-profile event merged classic American prep with contemporary star power, highlighted by supermodel Gigi Hadid opening the presentation and Romeo Beckham closing the runway.
Outside the venue, a crowd of onlookers and around 100 photographers gathered to watch the arrival of massive stars. Inside, guests were welcomed by a string quartet and waiters serving champagne on silver trays. The front row featured a celebration of New York's summer stars, including New York Knicks players and NBA Finals champions Josh Hart, Miles McBride, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who was accompanied by his new wife, Jordyn Woods. They were joined by "Love Island USA" winner Trinity Tatum, former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, K-pop sensation Jisoo, singer Camila Cabello, and actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
The star-studded audience also included singer Coco Jones, actress Madelaine Petsch, Heidi Klum's daughter Leni Klum, and "Power" star Michael Rainey Jr. The high-energy atmosphere sparked lively interactions, such as former "Real Housewives" star Lisa Rinna exclaiming as she ran into actor Lukas Gage, while fans gathered outside cheered loudly for Jisoo.
Gigi Hadid set the tone for the show, opening the runway in an oversized beige blazer, a white shirt, vibrant tomato-red trousers, a navy bucket hat, and a matching pocket square. Hilfiger’s new collection stayed true to his signature preppy, effortlessly cool aesthetic, featuring a lived-in look with faded logos on sweatshirts and dresses. The designs showcased jackets casually draped over quarter-zips and button-down shirts styled with loosened ties. Notably, the collection signaled the return of the popped collar and introduced a multi-layered double and triple polo look.
As the show neared its end, the string quartet transitioned to an instrumental cover of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind," prompting Towns and Anthony to sing along. Romeo Beckham, the son of David and Victoria Beckham, closed the runway wearing a red-and-black plaid ensemble, marking his latest high-profile walk since London Fashion Week in February.
Viral newcomer Slayyyter provided live musical performances, singing her hit "Unknown Loverz" and her upbeat track "DANCE…" during the finale. To wrap up the spectacle, Hilfiger made his closing bow by running out onto the runway, guided by his large, fluffy white dog, and paused to kiss his wife as he waved to the cheering crowd.
