Founder Dee Rivera’s eight-year vision is to connect designers, entrepreneurs, influencers, and storytellers with audiences in one of the world’s most visible destinations.
Online and off, visibility has become one of the most powerful forms of currency.
For designers, entrepreneurs, influencers and emerging creatives, the opportunity to be seen can introduce a brand to new customers, create media opportunities and spark collaborations.
Few places offer visibility quite like Times Square.
That idea was at the heart of the 8th Annual Times Square Fashion Week®, held September 15 in New York City and founded and executive produced by Dee Rivera, CEO of DCG Media Group.
Thousands gathered beneath the iconic billboards as fashion, entertainment, entrepreneurship, media and social impact converged in the middle of Manhattan.
“Times Square belongs to the world,” Rivera said. “When a designer walks onto this runway, they are not simply presenting a collection. They are presenting their story in one of the most visible places on earth.”
Turning Exposure Into Opportunity
Rivera created Times Square Fashion Week® with a vision of making fashion more visible and accessible while giving both established and emerging creatives an opportunity to occupy the same platform.
The 2026 runway illustrated that philosophy.
Origin Of Oceans opened the runway with swimwear, followed by resort fashion from Sunskaara. Mario B Couture brought glamour to Times Square, while Gloria Lee presented a kimono-inspired collection highlighting cultural influence and artistry.
Miami designer ELO made his Times Square debut with a retro collection inspired by the energy and style of the 1980s.
Catherine Schuller explored another side of creative expression through Cosplay and Power Pieces celebrating individuality and storytelling.
Luxury handbag brand Daneault also made its Times Square Fashion Week® debut during New York Fashion Week. Known for reversible leather handbags designed for women in motion, the brand received the event’s Designer of the Year Award.
Avant-garde jewelry brand S Designs added bold statement accessories to the runway.
Influence Beyond Social Media
Times Square Fashion Week® also reflected a larger evolution in what it means to have influence.
Today’s influential voices aren’t limited to social-media creators. Entrepreneurs, philanthropists, entertainers, designers, and community leaders can all use their platforms to start conversations and connect audiences.
The 2026 event brought those worlds together.
Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff served as Mistress of Ceremonies for special awards presented by Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright.
Serial entrepreneur Richie Hosein served as a host and Master of Ceremonies, while Stephen Michael, CEO of Propel Earth, celebrity rapper Bobby Shmurda, Netflix’s Owning Manhattan personality Jordan March, and Celebrity DJ Rob Beer were among the personalities participating.
Performances by Jackson Sturkey and opera singer Ariel Joy brought live entertainment into the experience.
The storytelling continued through the Live from Times Square Podcast, featuring Michael and Hosein and presented with Steady Ro Studios.
Rather than allowing a designer or entrepreneur’s moment to end after a few minutes on the runway, the podcast created another opportunity to talk about the people, businesses, and ideas behind the presentation.
Using Influence for Impact
The event also used its visibility to spotlight social purpose.
Times Square Fashion Week® collaborated with the Social Justice Network’s Comic Books for Justice Initiative, presented with Catherine Schuller and founder Terrence Coffie. The program works with young people in New York City detention centers, using creativity and storytelling as tools for expression.
“Fashion can give people a voice,” Rivera said. “Our platform should not only showcase beautiful clothes; it should create opportunities and make people feel that they belong.”
That message reflects the changing meaning of influence.
Followers and engagement numbers can matter, but meaningful influence can also be measured by the doors a platform opens and the communities it brings together.
Eight years after launching Times Square Fashion Week®, Rivera, who also founded Hamptons Fashion Week® in 2019, continues to build an ecosystem where designers, entrepreneurs, and creatives can be seen, heard, and connected.
In an era where everyone is competing for attention, Times Square Fashion Week® is demonstrating what can happen when visibility becomes opportunity and influence becomes connection.
