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.
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, Cami NYC, Camilla, Carolina Herrera, Dôen, Etro, Favorite Daughter, Fleur de Mal, Flora on Madison, Gabriela Hearst, Giorgio Armani, Initio Parfums Privés, Ivar Fine Jewelry, Jaded, Jenni Kayne, Jennifer Fisher, Kallmeyer, Kirna Zabête, L’Agence, Lafayette 148, LoveShackFancy, Mackage, Marina Rinaldi, Marli, Max Mara, Me+Em, Michael Kors Collection, Monique Lhuillier, Nardos, Paige, Parfums de Marly, Paul Morelli, Perserico, ReBalance, Rubin & Chapelle, Selima Optique, Sidney Garber Fine Jewelry, Tanya Taylor, Thom Browne, Todd Snyder, TWP, Ulla Johnson, Vera Wang, Veronica Beard, Veronica De Piante, Versace, Vince, 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 displays 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 retailers will donate ten percent of their sales made during the event on September 19, 2026, with a maximum contribution of $15,000 per retailer. The CFDA Foundation and the Madison Avenue B.I.D. are not-for-profit organizations. A copy of their latest annual reports are available from the Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law, Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005.
Participating Businesses
AKRIS
835 Madison Avenue (69-70)
Join Akris for a first look at the artistic collaboration between Artist Olga de Amaral and Creative Director Albert Kriemler for the Akris Fall 2026 collection. Enjoy a complimentary champagne styling appointment with Akris and 10% of your in-store purchases on 9/19 will be donated back to the CFDA Fashion Scholarship Fund.
ALICE + OLIVIA
755 Madison Avenue (65-66)
ALICE + OLIVIA Madison Avenue invites you to celebrate the CFDA Step Up for Fashion initiative with a branded coffee experience. Enjoy complimentary handcrafted coffee while exploring the latest collection. Plus, 10% of sales will support the next generation of talent and fashion education through the CFDA.
ALTUZARRA
959 Madison Avenue (75-76)
Altuzarra invites you to shop our fall collection and receive a scarf with every full priced purchase. Ten percent of sales will be donated to the CFDA Scholarship Fund
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.
CAMI NYC
1113 Madison Avenue (83-84)
Receive a gift with purchases over $500. CAMI NYC is donating 10% of event-day sales 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.
CAROLINA HERRERA
954 Madison Avenue (75-76)
CFDA Scholarship: Carolina Herrera is proud to partner with the CFDA in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the CFDA Scholarship Program. The Carolina Herrera and CFDA Women in Design Scholarship supports women and individuals who identify as women pursuing careers in fashion design by recognizing emerging talent that demonstrates both creative innovation and excellence in craftsmanship. The scholarship program honors two outstanding BFA fashion design students based in the New York tri-state area.
DOEN
1013 Madison Avenue (78-79)
Join us at the Madison Avenue DÔEN boutique on September 19th to celebrate Step Up for Fashion. The brand will be welcoming shoppers with wine, bubbles and sweet treats, and donating 10% of the day’s sales to support the next generation of fashion talent through the CFDA Scholarship Fund.
ETRO
720 Madison Avenue (63-64)
Etro invites you to shop our fall collection while enjoying champagne and sweets. Percentage of sale will be donated to the CFDA Scholarship Fund.
FLEUR DU MAL
901 Madison Avenue (72-73)
Join us to celebrate fashion. creativity and philanthropy. 10% of sales benefit The CFDA Scholarship Fund.
FLORA ON MADISON
766 Madison Avenue, 2 Fl (65-66)
Flora on Madison will be holding an intimate presentation of Marmar Halim Eveningwear on September 19, 2026 at 766 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor. Select samples of Parfums de Marly fragrance will be offered in-store to guests in a very special collaboration for Step Up For Fashion. Light refreshments and Ladurée macarons will be served all day.
INITIO PARFUMS PRIVÉS
784 Madison Avenue (66-67)
Discover Oud for Grace at INITIO Parfums Privés, a contemporary interpretation of Oud, designed to inspire confidence and presence.
Unveil the launch through an immersive FEEL LAB technology experience—a personalized retail experience powered by neuroscience, where guests can see their emotions in real time. Enjoy champagne and light bites throughout the experience
IVAR FINE JEWELRY
29 East 73 Street (Madison-Fifth)
Join us at IVAR Fine Jewelry for a special Step Up For Fashion experience in collaboration with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
Discover the world of IVAR through an intimate conversation exploring the brand, its design philosophy, and the connection between fine jewelry and personal expression. Meet a talented CFDA student designer as they bring their creative vision to life, pairing fabric swatches and original sketches with select VAR pieces inspired by the collection and interpreting IVAR’s world through their own creative lens. September 19th, 2026 12 PM – 3 PM
RSVP | Nyc@ivarjewelry.com
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.
L’AGENCE
956 Madison Avenue (75-76)
L’AGENCE invites you to shop our fall collection and receive a bouquet of flowers with every full priced purchase. Refreshments will be served and percentage of sale will be donated to 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.
MACKAGE
791 Madison Avenue (66-67)
Mackage invites you to celebrate the launch of the the fall/winter 2026 collection. Enjoy freshly made juices and explore the newest arrivals. Percentage of sale will be donated to the CFDA Scholarship Fund.
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.
MARLI
785 Madison Avenue (66-67)
Step into MARLI Madison Avenue for an afternoon of discovery — explore the collections, enjoy complimentary ice cream, and celebrate with a champagne toast. From 12:00 to 3:00 PM, a CFDA scholarship winner joins as guest stylist, offering personal styling with MARLI pieces.
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.
ME & EM
980 Madison Avenue (76-77)
The September Collection is a pivotal point in our wardrobe and calendars. The abstract notion of transeasonal dressing becomes a reality, which for us means only one thing: layering. A new season signals new outfit requirements, so we’re starting strong with all our signatures: a refresh of perfectly cut pants, now + later layers, modern event solutions, and a further homage to our British roots with a capsule of modern-heritage tailoring.
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.
PESERICO
783 Madison Avenue (66-67)
Peserico warmly invites you to discover Observers of the infinite, the new FW26 Collection, now available in our boutique.
REBALANCE
635 Madison Avenue, Suite 1400 (59-60)
ReBalance joins Step Up for Fashion benefiting the CFDA Scholarship Fund.
RUBIN&CHAPELLE
964 Madison Avenue (75-76)
SIDNEY GARBER
998 Madison Avenue (77-78)
Sidney Garber is pleased to be participating in this year’s Step Up For Fashion and be donating to such a wonderful cause. Philanthropy and giving back are at the heart of Sidney Garber. Our owner, Brooke Garber donates her profits to children’s mental health,
the arts, women’s reproductive rights, and ending gun violence.
TANYA TAYLOR
980 Madison Avenue (76-77)
Tanya Taylor invites you to shop the fall collection. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and informal modeling styled by a CFDA scholarship winner. Additionally 10% of sales go towards the CFDA Scholarship Fund.
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
ULLA JOHNSON
849 Madison Avenue (70-71)
Join us in-store and discover the new season. A percentage of every sale will be donated to the CFDA Scholarship Fund.
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.
VERONICA DE PIANTE
833 Madison Avenue (69-70)
Invites you to celebrate Step Up for Fashion where 10% of proceeds will go towards the CFDA Scholarship Fund. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and a personlized live illustration while ou explore our fall collection
VINCE
1005 Madison Avenue (77-78)
Join Us For CFDA’s 3rd Annual Step Up For Fashion On Madison Avenue And Discover Our New Fall 2026 Collection.
10% of sales from the event will be donated to the CFDA Scholarship Fund, which supports the next generation of fashion designers.
We’ll have champagne and wine waiting for you.
WOLFORD
609 Madison Avenue (58-59)
Join us at Wolford on September 19th to celebrate Step Up for Fashion. Discover Wolford’s new Fall collection while enjoying sparkling water and personalized styling from our team. We are also excited to welcome a CFDA Scholarship student into the boutique, who will bring their own creative perspective to Wolford’s Fall legwear collection. Guests will receive a special bounce-back offer inviting them to return and continue discovering the season.
WOLFORD
997 Madison Avenue (77-78)
Join us at Wolford on September 19th to celebrate Step Up for Fashion. Explore Wolford’s new Fall collection and discover new ways to style the brand’s iconic legwear, skinwear and ready-to-wear while enjoying sparkling water and personalized styling from our team. Guests will also receive a special bounce-back offer to return to the boutique after the event.
ZADIG & VOLTAIRE FLAGSHIP
845 Madison Avenue (70-71)
Come shop our fall collection and receive gift with purchase ZV tote bag. We will be serving beverages and will be having personalized ZV cookies in store Percentage of sale will be donated to the CFDA Scholarship Fund