Runway to Afterparty: How New York Fashion Week Moved Into the Club

Nightlife x Fashion · New York

NYFW's most talked-about nights weren't all on a runway. Several shows went straight into the DJ booth.

At September 2026’s New York Fashion Week, the line between a show and a party was thin. Here are four nights from the published event listings.

Runway, then DJs: Indie Sleaze at Club 51

On Sept 12, Indie Sleaze NYC put on a runway show from 8 to 9 PM featuring what the listing called “Vogue-featured designers and models,” followed by an afterparty from 10 PM to 4 AM with TECHG1RLS, Joanna Kuchta, Maxwell Vice, Emma X and M4LLE.

NYLON Nights at Capitale

On Sept 11, NYLON billed its NYFW night at Capitale on the Bowery as “a celebration of style, music, and nightlife,” with Chris Lake and Beau Cruz. Entry was by RSVP only.

The Lower East Side, until 9 AM

Sights & Sounds, Pregame and Soho Sessions took over a historic two-floor LES venue with a rooftop from 10 PM Sept 12 to 9 AM. The general admission listing showed as sold out.

RelatedHalloween in the Six Fashion Capitals

Closing night on the rooftop

Runway 7 closed the week on Sept 13 at Althea’s Hideaway on W 52nd St “with designers, models, and special guest DJs.” In Brooklyn the same night, the Olánrewàjú Experience hosted Afrofuture’s “Champion Sound” DJ battle after-party.

Why it matters for LA

For the designers, stylists and MUAs we cover from the Bureau’s shows, the after-hours slot is now part of the show. It’s where looks are seen in motion, filmed and shared. We are interviewing the people who staff and style these nights in New York and Los Angeles.

Want to be interviewed for the next report? Fill out the Model interview form or the Nightlife Worker interview form. More from us: Spotted in New York, Working LA Nightlife: Koreatown vs WeHo.

Related: our Spotted in New York street-style report.

Nightlife Report · sources cited