STEP UP FOR FASHION ON MADISON AVENUE
Sep 19 10:00 am - Sep 19 6:00 pm
The 3rd Annual Step Up for Fashion on Madison Avenue returns on Saturday, September 19, presented by the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District (B.I.D.) in partnership with the CFDA.
The annual event benefits the CFDA Scholarship Fund, which marks its 30th milestone year of supporting the next generation of American fashion talent.
The day-long initiative brings together CFDA members, leading American and international fashion brands, retailers, students, and the Madison Avenue community for a celebration of fashion, creativity, and philanthropy.
Step Up for Fashion will once again serve as the centerpiece of Welcome Back Saturday, the Avenue’s annual celebration of the fall season and the exceptional fashion, jewelry, accessories, and boutiques spanning from East 57th to East 86th Streets as well as adjacent side streets.
At the heart of this year’s program is the CFDA Scholarship Fund and the emerging designers it supports. Throughout Madison Avenue, 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.
A curated installation by Raúl Àvila featuring fashion drawings and designs created by the CFDA Scholarship winners will be on view in the lobby of The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel.
In recognition of the CFDA’s Women in Design Scholarship, Carolina Herrera and the CFDA will transform the fashion house’s corner sidewalk at Madison Avenue and 76th Street for a special installation, also created by Raúl Àvila.
Participating retailers will donate 10% of sales that day to the CFDA Scholarship Fund. The participating roster includes a mix of CFDA designer brands, leading international and American flagships, and a select group of new contemporary boutiques, including Akris, Alice & Olivia, Altuzarra, Anne Fontaine, Bond No. 9 New York, Cami NYC, Camilla, Carolina Herrera, Dôen, Etro, Fleur de Mal, Flora on Madison, Initio Parfums Privés, Ivar Fine Jewelry, Jaded, Jenni Kayne, Kirna Zabête, L’Agence, Lafayette 148, Mackage, Marina Rinaldi, Marli, Max Mara, Michael Kors Collection, Nardos, Parfums de Marly, Paul Morelli, ReBalance, Rubin & Chapelle, Sidney Garber Fine Jewelry, Tanya Taylor, Todd Snyder, Thom Browne, Ulla Johnson, Veronica Beard, Veronica De Piante, Vera Wang, Vince, Wellness+ Studio, Wolford, Yigal Azrouël, and Zadig & Voltaire.
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.
Please check back soon for additional details, activations and participating businesses (list below is in formation).
Participating Businesses
ANNE FONTAINE
723 Madison Avenue (63-64)
In partnership with the CFDA, discover the new Fall-Winter collection. Enjoy refreshments while you shop and get personalized styling session by a CFDA Fashion Scholarship winner. 10% of sales will be donated to the CFDA Scholarship Fund.
CAMILLA
1015 Madison Avenue (78-79)
Enjoy a live modelling session, and from 12-2 p.m. personal styling workshop with a special guest stylist and CFDA scholarship winner, alongside champagne and sweet treats.
INITIO PARFUMS PRIVÉS
784 Madison Avenue (66-67)
Join INITIO Parfums Privés for champagne, light bites, and an immersive olfactory experience. Guests are invited to experience the newest launch, Oud for Grace.
JENNI KAYNE
1082 Madison Avenue (81-82)
Join Jenni Kayne for Step Up for Fashion on Saturday, September 19, and enjoy a complimentary coffee from their coffee cart while you shop the new Fall Collection. Percentage of sales will benefit the CFDA Scholarship Fund.
LAFAYETTE 148
853 Madison Avenue (70-71)
Sip, Shop & Discover the Fall 2026 Collection.
Enjoy life modeling and refreshments while you shop the new fall 2026 collection.
MARINA RINALDI
815 Madison Avenue (68-69)
Marina Rinaldi invites you to explore the tailoring details and heritage that blend with fresh, innovative elements. Flowing silhouettes, refined cuts, and a sophisticated color palette are at the heart of the collection. Discover the key pieces of the FW26 season.
View a live modeling presentation of our newest looks at our Madison Avenue entrance during Step Up For Fashion at 1, 2, and 3 PM. Please join us for a more curated look at the Fall/Winter collection, tailored to suit your personal style.
Shop the latest collection, with 10% of all proceeds benefiting the CFDA.
MAX MARA
813 Madison Avenue (68-69)
Enjoy specialty Italian gelato from our Max Mara Café cart on 9/19 from 1–4 PM. View a live modeling presentation of our newest looks at our Madison Avenue entrance during Step Up For Fashion at 1, 2, and 3 PM. Please join us for a more curated look at the Fall/Winter collection, tailored to suit your personal style.
Shop the latest collection, with 10% of all proceeds benefiting the CFDA.
PAIGE
958 Madison Avenue (75-76)
Join PAIGE on Madison Avenue for Step Up for Fashion, featuring live men’s and women’s modeling throughout the afternoon and showcasing looks from the Fall 2026 collection. Visit the store to discover the latest arrivals and celebrate fashion in support of the CFDA Foundation.
PARFUMS DE MARLY
796 Madison Avenue (67-68)
Discover Althaïr Exclusif at Parfums de Marly, an addictive and refined olfactory sonata of intense Bourbon vanilla, velvety amaretto, and radiant saffron. Celebrate the launch with champagne and light bites, and enjoy complimentary engraving with any purchase.
PAUL MORELLI
725 Madison Avenue (63-64)
Join us for a live presentation of our newest collection, modeled in the boutique and along the avenue from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Experience the weight, form, and intricate details of these works in motion, accompanied by a glass of champagne or crisp white wine. Specialists will be present to share the stories behind the collection and assist with private viewings.
RUBIN&CHAPELLE
964 Madison Avenue (75-76)
Rubin & Chapelle invites fashion, culture, and design enthusiasts to discover the boutique’s unique gallery-like environment. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the designers and experience an intimate presentation of the brand’s latest print collaboration. Reflecting Rubin & Chapelle’s philosophy of bringing together different artistic disciplines, the showcase explores how the many sensitive variables involved in creating an exceptional fashion piece are thoughtfully connected.
TODD SNYDER
1165 Madison Avenue (85-86)
Join us from 1-3 PM for gelato, courtesy of il Laboratorio Del Gelato and shop our fall new arrivals
VERA WANG
991 Madison Avenue (76-77)
For more than 35 years Vera Wang has welcomed women to her iconic Madison Avenue store with her revolutionary wedding gown designs making the salon a famed destination in New York bridal fashion.
As part of her longstanding relationship with the fashion community and her commitment to nurturing the next generation, Vera Wang is proud to support Step Up For Fashion and its mission to provide scholarships and opportunities to aspiring fashion talent.
