New York Fashion Week Clashes with Valentine's Day

Designers, editors, and publicists struggle to balance work and romance during the busy fashion event.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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This year, New York Fashion Week falls right on Valentine's Day, leaving many in the fashion industry scrambling to find time for romantic celebrations. Designers like Joseph Altuzarra will be putting final touches on their collections, while editors like Vogue's Nicole Phelps plan low-key pizza nights. Some, like publicist Emily Freedman, admit they may have to postpone Valentine's plans altogether due to work commitments.

Why it matters

The overlap of New York Fashion Week and Valentine's Day highlights the demanding schedule faced by many in the fashion industry, who often have to sacrifice personal time for professional obligations. This clash underscores the challenges of maintaining work-life balance, especially during the busiest times of the year.

The details

For some New York Fashion Week attendees, the most intimate moment they'll experience on Valentine's Day will be brushing against the person sitting next to them on a backless bench. The fall fashion season frequently overlaps with the Hallmark holiday, forcing couples to get creative. In 2009, stylist Rachel Zoe's work obligations threw a wrench in her Valentine's Day plans with her then-husband Rodger Berman. This year, the situation feels even more acute, as Valentine's Day falls on the Saturday of a long weekend when many had hoped to getaway.

  • New York Fashion Week is taking place in February 2026.
  • Valentine's Day falls on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Joseph Altuzarra

A fashion designer whose show is scheduled for February 14th, forcing him to spend the day putting final touches on his collection rather than celebrating with his husband.

Nicole Phelps

Vogue's global fashion features director, who has a tradition of ordering pizza and reviewing collections on Valentine's Day.

Emily Freedman

A publicist at the Lede Company who admits she may not be able to properly celebrate Valentine's Day with her boyfriend due to her fashion week commitments.

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What they’re saying

“My boyfriend keeps asking me when I'm free. I'm not sure we'll be having a proper Valentine's this year but that's his fault for dating a girl in fashion PR.”

— Emily Freedman, publicist (Vogue)

“I have a stack of reviews to write that night, so we'll order our favorite pizzas from Motorino East Village. On Valentine's Day they traditionally shape their pies like hearts.”

— Nicole Phelps, Vogue's global fashion features director (Vogue)

“Our show falls on February 14th, so I'll be at the studio all day with my team. By the time it's over, I'm usually too exhausted to do much of anything. My husband and I will celebrate a few days later instead. We'll go out for a nice dinner—and this year I'd love to sneak in a movie too, ideally Wuthering Heights.”

— Joseph Altuzarra, fashion designer (Vogue)

What’s next

Designers and fashion industry professionals will continue to balance their work commitments with Valentine's Day celebrations in the coming years as New York Fashion Week dates fluctuate.

The takeaway

The overlap of New York Fashion Week and Valentine's Day underscores the demanding schedules and work-life balance challenges faced by many in the fashion industry, who often have to sacrifice personal time for professional obligations during the busiest times of the year.