Is Luxury Hospitality the New Runway? Exploring the Waldorf Astoria and Proenza Schouler Collaboration at NYFW

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts Collaborates with IMG and Fashion House Proenza Schouler for New York Fashion Week: The Shows. Iconic hotel brand brings high-end fashion and luxury hospitality to the forefront of NYFW experience.

@Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

From Catwalks to Cocktails: How Does Waldorf Astoria Elevate the NYFW Experience with Proenza Schouler?

Fashionistas and travelers, mark your calendars, for a groundbreaking collaboration is about to elevate the New York Fashion Week (NYFW) experience to unprecedented heights. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, the iconic name in luxury hospitality, has teamed up with IMG and the renowned fashion house Proenza Schouler to bring a fusion of high-end fashion and refined hospitality to NYFW: The Shows, taking place from September 9th to 13th.

A New Era in Luxury Fashion and Hospitality

Waldorf Astoria’s partnership with IMG signifies a remarkable debut sponsorship for NYFW: The Shows. But that’s not all; this collaboration reaches new heights by showcasing a unique blend of fashion and hospitality, solidifying Waldorf Astoria’s position at the forefront of innovation, culture, and style.

Proenza Schouler: The Perfect Fashion Partner

At the heart of this collaboration is Proenza Schouler, the acclaimed fashion house founded by the dynamic designer duo, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. Proenza Schouler will unveil a look inspired by the “Waldorf Astoria woman,” a symbol of timeless elegance and sophistication. This connection between high fashion and luxury hospitality promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.

NYFW: The Talks – A Must-Attend Event

An absolute highlight of NYFW, IMG produces NYFW: The Talks, a series of intimate discussions and panels featuring fashion luminaries and industry leaders. This year, a salon-style talk titled “From Destinations to Design: Travel’s Influence on Fashion” will feature Dino Michael, senior vice president and global head of Hilton Luxury Brands, Jack McCollough, and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, moderated by Jacqui Gifford. It’s an event not to be missed, and it’s scheduled for Sunday, September 10th, at 4 p.m. at Spring Studios.

Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of @Proenza Schouler

Elevated Luxury at the Waldorf Astoria Lounge

VIP guests attending NYFW 2023 will have the privilege of visiting the Waldorf Astoria branded lounge at Spring Studios throughout the week. Here, they can indulge in signature cocktails reminiscent of Peacock Alley, a hallmark of Waldorf Astoria properties worldwide, along with light canapés. The lounge’s seating and décor will mirror the brand’s renowned refined aesthetic, providing a luxurious retreat amidst the fashion frenzy.

Proenza Schouler’s Runway Show and Exclusive Throw Blanket

As a testament to the depth of this collaboration, Proenza Schouler will not only present a look inspired by the Waldorf Astoria woman in their Spring/Summer 2024 runway show but will also design a limited-edition throw blanket exclusively for NYFW: The Shows VIP guests. This venture marks Proenza Schouler’s inaugural luxury hotel brand partnership, merging high fashion with the timeless elegance of Waldorf Astoria.

A Vision of Elegance and Inclusion

This collaboration is a milestone for both Waldorf Astoria and Proenza Schouler. Together, they weave their expertise and creativity into a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates elegance, authenticity, and inclusion, core values shared by both entities.

A Global Pillar of Culture and Sophistication

Dino Michael, senior vice president and global head of Hilton Luxury Brands, reflects on this partnership with enthusiasm, expressing confidence in its ability to contribute to the larger conversation surrounding the worlds of fashion and hospitality. He anticipates the runway interpretation of Waldorf Astoria’s timeless elegance by Proenza Schouler and the insightful discussions during NYFW: The Talks.

Photo courtesy of @IMG. Credit: @Mike Coppola/Getty Images