New York Fashion Week got a youthful dose of energy and style as Macy’s and Rookie Kids presented “Runway on Broadway: Where NYC Goes Back to School.” Hosted by New York Knicks captain Jalen Brunson, the invitation-only event brought together fashion, sports, entertainment and philanthropy for a high-energy celebration of kids’ fashion, confidence and creativity.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: (L-R) Jalen Brunson, Jordyn Brunson and Ali Brunson walk the runway during the Rookie Kids Runway on Broadway fashion show supporting the Second Round Foundation outside of Macy’s Herald Square on September 17, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images for Rookie Kids Runway on Broadway)
Presented in partnership with Haddad Brands and Brunson’s Second Round Foundation, the event transformed the traditional back-to-school fashion show into a distinctly New York experience. With the excitement of Broadway, the influence of New York Fashion Week and the energy of the city’s sports culture, “Runway on Broadway” put young style stars at the center of the action.
Back-to-School Fashion Takes Center Stage
The runway showcased a selection of the season’s latest back-to-school fashion trends for kids, featuring looks from popular brands including Levi’s, Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, Lacoste and Jordan. The collection highlighted the versatility of children’s fashion, blending sporty pieces, casual essentials and contemporary streetwear designed for the new school year.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: Models walk the runway during the Rookie Kids Runway on Broadway fashion show supporting the Second Round Foundation outside of Macy’s Herald Square on September 17, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images for Rookie Kids Runway on Broadway)
Adding an extra dose of star power, the runway featured young models who included the children of celebrities, professional athletes and influencers. In one of the evening’s most memorable moments, celebrity parents joined their children on the runway, creating a stylish family affair and reinforcing the event’s celebration of family, individuality and self-expression.
New York Sports and Entertainment Meet Fashion
The entertainment lineup further captured the spirit of New York, with performances by the Knicks City Kids, Knicks City Dancers and Brooklyn United. Their appearances brought the energy of professional sports and youth culture directly into the fashion presentation.
The guest list reflected the event’s crossover appeal, attracting celebrities, athletes, influencers and New York personalities including A-Boogie, Adrienne Bailon, D’Angelo Russell, Dascha Polanco, Dave East, Ice-T, Jalen Brunson, Jordan Clarkson, Josh Hart, Lil’ Kim, Tiki Barber, Trey Songz, Toya Johnson, Jenni “JWOWW” Farley, Fern Mallis, Craig Melvin, Sharlee Jeter, Mara Martin, Yris Palmer, Vanessa Lee, Evan Hirsch and many others.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: Sybil Melvin and models walk the runway during the Rookie Kids Runway on Broadway fashion show supporting the Second Round Foundation outside of Macy’s Herald Square on September 17, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images for Rookie Kids Runway on Broadway)
Fashion With a Purpose
Beyond the runway and entertainment, “Runway on Broadway” also highlighted the importance of giving back. Following the show, Rookie Kids presented a donation to Jalen Brunson’s Second Round Foundation, supporting its work to empower young people through education, athletics and community outreach.
By combining New York Fashion Week, back-to-school style, sports, entertainment and philanthropy, Macy’s and Rookie Kids created an event that was about more than clothing. It was a celebration of young people and the confidence that comes from having the opportunity to express themselves.
With kids taking center stage, major fashion brands providing the looks and some of New York’s most recognizable personalities filling the room, “Runway on Broadway: Where NYC Goes Back to School” offered a fresh and distinctly New York way to celebrate the beginning of a new school year.