New York Men’s Day: A Celebration of Fashion Innovation at NYFW

New York Men’s Day (NYMD) is a cornerstone of New York Fashion Week, spotlighting emerging and established menswear designers who push the boundaries of style, craftsmanship, and creativity. This year’s NYMD brought a dynamic mix of talent, each offering a unique vision for Fall/Winter 2025. From genderless fashion to reimagined preppy aesthetics, the lineup showcased the evolving landscape of men’s fashion, while also highlighting non-binary and gender nonconforming designs and designers.

A.Potts: A Vision of Inclusivity and Strength

Designer Aaron Potts presented his 10th collection at NYMD, continuing his mission to merge creativity with functionality. Rooted in his Detroit upbringing and influenced by his extensive fashion experience, Potts' FW25 collection drew inspiration from the Black Panthers and spotted leopards, featuring bold textures and an unapologetically progressive aesthetic. His brand, A.Potts, stands as a beacon of inclusivity, celebrating all races, sizes, and gender expressions. With accolades such as the FGI Award for Best All-Gender Design and a feature in the Met Museum’s "In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion," Potts continues to shape the future of genderless and non-binary fashion.

HOLD NYC: Nostalgic Elegance Meets Modern Comfort

Marking its NYMD debut, Holden Akerley’s HOLD NYC channeled an après-ski aesthetic with a contemporary twist. Inspired by cozy chalets and the energetic spirit of après-ski culture, the FW25 collection blended technical silhouettes with plush fleece, hand-knit sweaters, and relaxed menswear staples. Akerley, a former designer at Ralph Lauren, brought a sense of elevated nostalgia to his collection, making a compelling case for refined yet comfortable fashion that transcends traditional gender norms.

Sivan: The Evolution of Modern Tailoring

Brooklyn-based designer Jack Sivan presented his third NYMD collection, bringing his expertise in bespoke tailoring to ready-to-wear fashion. Originally a custom-only brand, Sivan has now expanded into online retail and is set to launch a pop-up store this fall. His FW25 collection continued to redefine contemporary menswear with an emphasis on impeccable craftsmanship and modern tailoring that accommodates a diverse range of gender expressions.

Joseph McRae: A Celebration of Growth and Transformation

Making his NYMD debut, Joseph McRae’s collection was an ode to resilience and evolution. Drawing inspiration from nature’s ability to thrive in adversity, McRae’s designs fused organic textures with structured silhouettes, creating a harmonious balance of strength and fluidity. The collection embodied confidence, power, and the unapologetic embrace of self-transformation, signaling McRae’s emergence as a bold new voice in gender-fluid fashion.

Max Esmail: Modernism Meets Wearability

Another NYMD debut, Max Esmail introduced his brand with "55 Bond St.," a collection inspired by modernist architecture and industrial design. Incorporating materials like leather, marble, and tubular steel, Esmail created a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that reflected the Bauhaus movement’s principles of simplicity and functionality. His innovative approach to blending organic and industrial elements set a distinctive tone for his brand’s future, catering to individuals who embrace gender-nonconforming styles.

Peak Lapel: The Revival of Classic Prepwear

Parsons School of Design graduates Jack Milkes and Ben Stedman launched Peak Lapel to modernize traditional menswear. With their FW25 collection, the duo redefined preppy fashion, drawing inspiration from the warmth and nostalgia of returning home for the holidays. Their designs honored classic menswear elements while infusing them with contemporary sensibilities, offering a fresh take on the preppy aesthetic that welcomes a broader range of gender identities.

This season’s NYMD proved that menswear is far from stagnant—constantly evolving, embracing inclusivity, reinterpreting tradition, and challenging the status quo. From genderless and non-binary fashion to tailored sophistication, each designer brought a unique perspective that underscored the breadth and depth of today’s fashion landscape. As NYFW continues, these designers will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the industry, shaping the future of fashion one collection at a time.