New Orleans Fashion Week Returns with Style, Opportunity and a New Competition

Fashion, culture and creativity will take center stage as New Orleans Fashion Week returns Sept. 20–26, 2026, for its 16th season, bringing designers, models, beauty professionals and fashion enthusiasts together for a week celebrating the city’s growing fashion industry.

Since its founding in 2011, New Orleans Fashion Week (NOFW) has provided emerging and established designers with opportunities to showcase their work, develop industry relationships and gain greater exposure. During its 15-year history, the event has attracted participants from across the United States and internationally, including France, Thailand and Kenya.

This year’s activities will include runway presentations and exclusive VIP Events in collaboration with Pedram Couture and Makeup by Meg. Featured Designer Runway Shows will be held at Canal Place, which will also host the Luxe Marketplace, featuring local designers, jewelry, beauty brands, accessories and lifestyle products.

Another signature experience, The Gentlemen’s Edition, will offer a Speakeasy-Inspired Celebration of men’s fashion in partnership with Luca Falcone, combining bespoke menswear, entertainment and luxury lifestyle.

The Stitch Comes to New Orleans

One of the biggest additions to this year’s Fashion Week is the return and reimagining of its designer competition as The Stitch New Orleans, presented by Tampa Bay Fashion Experience.

Founded by Louisiana native, entrepreneur and fashion advocate Taneka Bowles, wife of Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Fashion Experience focuses on mentoring and developing emerging designers.

“As someone who believes deeply in creating opportunities for emerging talent, I am honored to partner with New Orleans Fashion Week to bring The Stitch competition to Louisiana,” Bowles said. “Together, we’re building a platform that empowers designers with the education, mentorship, and exposure needed to transform their passion into sustainable careers.”

The competition will offer designers more than an opportunity to walk the runway. The winning designer will earn an opportunity to showcase a collection during New York Fashion Week through Art Hearts Fashion. The runner-up will have the opportunity to attend the Christian Siriano Fashion Design Boot Camp in New York City.

Building New Orleans’ Creative Economy

NOFW Founder and Executive Producer Tracee Dundas said the partnership expands the organization’s commitment to developing creative talent.

“We’re not simply producing a competition—we’re investing in the future of fashion,” Dundas said.

That investment reflects a larger goal for New Orleans Fashion Week: connecting the city’s distinctive culture with entrepreneurship and the business of fashion.

As New Orleans continues building its creative economy, Fashion Week provides another opportunity to showcase the designers, models, beauty professionals and entrepreneurs who contribute to the city’s cultural identity while connecting local talent to opportunities beyond Louisiana.

New Orleans Fashion Week runs Sept. 20–26, with runway shows, designer presentations, networking experiences and fashion-centered events taking place throughout the city.