Bridging the Runway: How Art Hearts Fashion Unites Midwest and New York Fashion Scenes
By Nadgeena Jerome
The fashion world is often synonymous with the glamour of New York, Paris, and Milan. But a powerful shift is happening—one that’s bringing the creative energy of the Midwest and beyond into the global fashion spotlight.
Art Hearts Fashion (AHF) is leading this movement, a powerhouse platform producing fashion weeks in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Las Vegas. Now, AHF is expanding its reach, integrating designers from across the country and bridging the gap between Midwest fashion and New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
At an exclusive panel discussion on Friday, February 7, at the Angel Orensanz Foundation in New York City, AHF President Erik Rosete was joined by key figures in regional fashion:
Alex Salazar, President of Arizona Fashion Week, a platform celebrating Southwest designers
Danny Nguyen, President of Houston Fashion Week’s The Grid Show, merges high fashion with cutting-edge production
Shira Karney, Assistant Director of Fashion Art Toronto, a showcase for avant-garde and diverse fashion
Merit Over Money: AHF’s New Standard
“Fashion is no longer confined to the coasts,” Rosete said. “The Midwest, Southwest, and even Toronto have incredible talent that deserves to be showcased on the biggest stages.”
AHF is breaking barriers by making participation in NYFW merit-based, ensuring that talented designers—regardless of financial background or location—can earn a coveted runway spot based on creativity and craftsmanship, not financial backing.
By collaborating with Arizona Fashion Week, The Grid Show, and Fashion Art Toronto, AHF is eliminating traditional industry barriers, providing designers from Phoenix, Houston, and Toronto direct access to New York’s most prestigious fashion events.
A Movement Toward Fashion Equality
This initiative is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating an inclusive space where emerging designers and undiscovered models gain visibility and opportunity.
By integrating diverse regional styles, AHF ensures that NYFW remains innovative, accessible, and representative of fashion’s evolving landscape.
As Art Hearts Fashion continues to push boundaries, one thing is clear: Talent, not geography or wealth, should determine who gets a seat at fashion’s most prestigious tables.
Art Hearts Fashion not only showcased a dynamic fusion of national design, talent, and culture but also welcomed prominent public figures to the runway.
Notable appearances during NYFW included actress Barbara de Regil walking for Glaudi, Miss Universe Ukraine 2024 Alina Ponomarenko for Mister Triple X, Miss Universe Nepal 2023 Jane Dipika for Danny Nguyen Couture, Miss Universe Venezuela 2024 Stephany Abasali for Raul Penaranda, and Miss Universe Cuba 2024 Marianela Ancheta for Giannina Azar.
RUNWAY PHOTO CREDITS: Arun Nevader/Getty Images & Mark Gunter/Getty Images + Art Hearts Fashion
