Leaf's NYFW Diary: Life of a Cool Girl

Follow the native New Yorker on her week of shows, parties, and exceptional fashion

Feb. 23, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Leaf, a rising star in both fashion and rap, takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey through her experience at New York Fashion Week. From front-row seats at runway shows to after-parties with fellow creatives, the diary offers an intimate look at the energy and excitement of one of the biggest events in the fashion world.

Why it matters

As a native New Yorker, Leaf's perspective provides a unique and authentic take on the NYFW experience. Her story highlights the intersection of fashion, music, and the vibrant creative community in the city, offering readers a glimpse into the life of a young, multitalented artist navigating the industry on her own terms.

The details

Leaf's NYFW diary chronicles her four-day experience, from attending the Contessa Mills presentation on the first day to ending her night at the Reve Eveille event on the fourth day. Along the way, she visits shows by Tabbe Designs, Area, and Kim Shui, and connects with fellow creatives like stylist Gabriel Held. The diary entries describe the unique details and experiences at each event, such as the chiffon entrance and pearl-button details at Contessa Mills, the lo mein and wooden chopsticks at the Private Policy show, and the gothic pirate ship-inspired Menelyk presentation.

  • Leaf's NYFW diary covers her experience from February 23 to February 26, 2026.

The players

Leaf

A rising star in both fashion and rap, Leaf is a native New Yorker who has carved out space in the industry on her own terms, with a deal at Fool's Gold Records and early modeling work for Calvin Klein.

Contessa Mills

A fashion designer whose presentation featured chiffon entrances and pearl-button details inspired by the ocean.

Gabriel Held

A stylist who Leaf has worked with for her last two music videos, "Sponsor" and "Trust Fund$".

Gio From Da Block

A friend of Leaf's with whom she attended after-events during NYFW.

Dominique Jackson

The star of the Reve Eveille event, where she was live spray-painted in one of the designs.

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The takeaway

Leaf's NYFW diary offers a unique, insider's perspective on the energy, creativity, and community that defines one of the fashion industry's biggest events. Her story highlights the intersection of fashion, music, and the vibrant artistic scene in New York City, showcasing the life of a young, multitalented artist navigating the industry on her own terms.