Written by: VISUALHOUSE
Photography: VISUALHOUSE, Launchmetrics Spotlight and KA Agency
Twice a year, the city that never sleeps transforms into a giant catwalk where fashion mavens, influencers, and designers collide to set the tone for the upcoming season. As one of the most influential events in the fashion world, NYFW is where trends are born, and the buzz of creativity electrifies the air.
This season, as designers from around the globe present their collections, it's not just about the garments that catch our eye—it's also about the striking venues that host these shows. From soaring skyscrapers to reimagined historic spaces, New York City itself becomes a living runway.
Over the years, VISUALHOUSE has played a pivotal role in shaping how these spaces could be utilized through stunning renderings that bring their potential to life. Let’s explore how some of the city’s most iconic commercial spaces are being transformed into the ultimate fashion stages for NYFW.
Much like the great engines that once traversed its grounds, Terminal Warehouse stands as a symbol of connection and empowerment. Its design echoes the spirit of New York City, embracing diversity and possibility. This reimagined space goes beyond the traditional office environment, offering a spectrum of possibilities for programming, collaboration, and innovation.
Terminal Warehouse: Where History Meets Haute Couture
In the heart of West Chelsea, the Terminal Warehouse offered a unique, yet equally compelling, vibe for NYFW. This historic building, recently revitalized by L&L Holding, has seamlessly merged its industrial roots with modern sophistication, making it a prime location for Ulla Johnson’s Spring 2025 collection.
VISUALHOUSE played a significant role in this transformation, creating renderings that envisioned Terminal Warehouse as a versatile event space capable of hosting high-profile events like NYFW. The venue’s new terrace, with its juxtaposition of raw, exposed brick and contemporary design elements, provided a distinctive backdrop that highlighted Johnson's bohemian-inspired pieces. The Terminal Warehouse is the kind of space where fashion meets narrative—an embodiment of New York's ability to reinvent and reimagine.
Starrett-Lehigh: NYFW’s Dynamic New Hub
Just next door, the Starrett-Lehigh Building has been making waves as NYFW’s new main hub, having moved from Spring Studios to this historic Chelsea landmark in February. With its expansive 2.3 million square feet of space, Starrett-Lehigh is more than just a building; it’s a statement. Owned by RXR and dating back to 1931, the building is currently undergoing a major transformation to bolster its status as a cultural and professional epicenter. From a new restaurant by Marcus Samuelsson to a food hall and a public outdoor terrace with Hudson River views, Starrett-Lehigh is redefining what a fashion hub can be. VISUALHOUSE collaborated closely with RXR Realty to produce a series of captivating CGI renderings and film animations, highlighting the potential and versatility of spaces throughout the building.
The venue hosted Tibi’s Spring 2025 collection, and it was nothing short of spectacular. With its fashion-forward tenants like Ralph Lauren, Canada Goose, Zimmermann, and Under Armour already calling it home, Starrett-Lehigh is a natural fit for NYFW. The building’s blend of historic charm and modern amenities creates a versatile canvas that allows each show to become a distinctive experience, reinforcing NYFW's standing as a premier global fashion platform.
While Terminal Warehouse and Starrett-Lehigh may be the headline acts, NYFW isn’t confined to just a few spaces. The city’s diverse neighborhoods also played host to a range of events, from Hudson Yards to 50 Ninth in the Meatpacking District to Chelsea Factory and the World Trade Center. Each location, with its unique character and story, adds another layer to NYFW, turning the entire city into a dynamic, interactive runway.
New York Fashion Week has always been about more than just the clothes on the runway; it’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and the city itself. This year, New York's most iconic spaces aren’t just venues—they're integral to the storytelling that makes NYFW a must-see event. The foresight of companies like VISUALHOUSE, who helped shape these spaces through their compelling visualizations, has played a crucial role in transforming these venues into vibrant stages for fashion and beyond.
From the historic flair of Terminal Warehouse to the evolving creativity at Starrett-Lehigh, these venues provide more than just a setting—they set the stage for what fashion can be. So, as NYFW continues to evolve, remember that it’s not just about what’s worn—it’s also about where it’s worn. Because in New York, the spaces are as stylish as the people who inhabit them.
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