There’s nothing quite like the first real week of fall in New York — and this year it comes with an occasion. On Saturday, September 19th, the Madison Avenue BID and the Council of Fashion Designers of America present Step Up For Fashion to benefit the CFDA Scholarship Fund.
Annually, the CFDA discovers exemplary student talent, and thanks to the generosity of the partners and donors, the CFDA Scholarship Fund continues to invest in the future of American fashion.
Also known as “Welcome Back Saturday,” the event encourages friends and fashionistas to return to the waiting boutiques with shelves stocked with the must-have fashion for fall.
Throughout Madison Avenue, from 57th to 86th Streets, participating retailers will spotlight CFDA Scholarship recipients through in-store displays featuring their sketches and designs, as well as select meet-and-greet appearances by the students.
As lively as “The Avenue” is in September, this day will buzz with extra visual excitement. Carolina Herrera and the CFDA will transform the corner at 76th Street with an extraordinary presentation by Raúl Àvila, the internationally renowned event and design establishment. Another installation by Raúl will feature fashion designs and fashion drawings by the CFDA Scholarship winner, and will be on view in the lobby of The Surrey.
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Madison Avenue will come alive with fashionable experiences and hospitality on the sidewalks in front of participating stores, including informal presentations of fall looks and carts offering shoppers flowers, beverages, treats, and surprises to enjoy.
With this degree of retail opportunity waiting for us, Hilary and I lost no time in shopping for the standouts of the fall season.
Hilary: “I love shopping for fall fashion, it feels fresh after summer… getting those fun ‘back to school’ looks. Step Up For Fashion gives us added incentive to get out and shop the Avenue. I am especially liking navies and prints this season. And I could not resist this beautiful Carolina Herrera jacquard dress. Suede is everywhere and these pieces are the perfect update. I can’t wait to stroll, shop, and take in the fashion this weekend.”
KK’s Strategy: “I plan on shopping for a few pieces to expand my wardrobe while noting the seasonal trends: Olive Green, Burgundy, Animal Prints, Tartans, Argyle, Leather, Lace. We are thrilled to welcome the return of ladylike dressing, although we never left it.”
The new Little Black Dress is a Little Green Dress with Carolina Herrera’s ladylike sheath. The slim skirt is having another moment so we can all show our calves again, hopefully with a pair of stylish slingbacks. The Veronica Beard Faux Leather Pants are the chicest staple that can pair with an argyle sweater for coffee and pick-up, or dress up with the Anne Fontaine Lace “Dinner Top” and Gabriela Hearst Burgundy Suede Bag. Add a few other choice accessories and you will be in the fashion moment — on trend but never trendy.
The Council of Fashion Designers of America is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1962 whose membership consists of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers. The mission of the CFDA is to strengthen the impact of American fashion globally by amplifying creative excellence, business longevity, and positive impact.
It seems especially fitting. For a city whose fashion story has always depended upon one generation opening the door for the next, Step Up for Fashion celebrates not only what New York fashion is today, but who will be designing it tomorrow.
