Retailers Cautiously Attend NYFW Amid Saks Bankruptcy

Buyers from major department stores will be in New York, but some independent boutiques are opting out of shows this season.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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New York Fashion Week is taking place against the backdrop of the recent Saks Fifth Avenue bankruptcy, leaving many brands uncertain about getting paid for orders. While major retailers like Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman will have buyers attending, some independent boutiques are taking a more cautious approach, focusing on showroom appointments rather than runway shows.

Why it matters

The Saks bankruptcy has created financial uncertainty for many fashion brands, especially independent designers who rely on wholesale orders from major department stores. This season's NYFW will test how retailers are navigating these challenges and what strategies brands are employing to diversify their wholesale channels.

The details

Brands, many still reeling from the Matches and Ssense bankruptcies, are now faced with the reality that they are unlikely to receive payment for any of the money they were owed before Saks Global filed for bankruptcy in January. Despite the financial uncertainty, the major department stores will still have buyers attending fashion week, though some brands are opting for smaller order sizes. Meanwhile, some independent boutiques like Atlanta's Ant/dote and LA's Maxfield are choosing not to send buyers to the shows, instead focusing on showroom appointments to make the most of their time.

  • New York Fashion Week commences in February 2026.

The players

Saks Fifth Avenue

A major US department store chain that recently filed for bankruptcy.

Neiman Marcus

A luxury department store chain that will have buyers attending NYFW this season.

Bergdorf Goodman

A high-end department store that is also sending buyers to NYFW this season.

Jeffrey Kalinsky

The founder of Atlanta-based retailer Jeffrey, who is only planning to take appointments and not attend shows this season.

Emily Dawn Long

A brand that is not showing at NYFW but is hosting a dance party and showroom appointments during the week.

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What they’re saying

“I usually have a list of people that I don't know but I want to know, and I'm reaching out months before market and trying to make appointments. I just think my time is better spent in a showroom. I need to know the price of something, not just if I like it.”

— Jeffrey Kalinsky, Founder, Jeffrey (Vogue Business)

“It's not necessarily that they have to be here sitting at a fashion show. The showrooms like a CD network in New York play a very pivotal role for brands.”

— Robert Burke, Luxury Consultant (Vogue Business)

What’s next

Brands and retailers will continue to navigate the uncertain financial landscape as they work to diversify their wholesale channels and find new ways to connect during fashion week.

The takeaway

The Saks bankruptcy has created significant financial challenges for fashion brands, especially independent designers, leading some retailers to take a more cautious approach to NYFW this season. Brands are exploring alternative ways to connect with buyers, such as through showroom appointments, as they work to adapt to the changing retail landscape.