DRIVEN BY DESIGN

Images by: BMW Long Island City X Planet Fashion TV

On September 9, Planet Fashion TV kicked off New York Fashion Week 2026 with DRIVEN BY DESIGN, a runway presentation at the recently opened BMW in Long Island City. Featured on the runway were New York designer Cesar Galindo and designer and artist Ema Savahl.

While an unconventional spot for a runway show, the BMW of Long Island City was the perfect backdrop to showcase the connections between fashion and automotive innovation. The space is 180,000 square feet, four stories tall, and features an expansive showroom, contemporary architecture, and a 40-foot glass façade.

Planet Fashion TV Founder Celia Evans said the location was “designed around movement, precision, performance, and luxury, which made it an incredible setting for fashion.” The unique setting was the ideal place to realize her vision of bringing together industries focused on design and making a statement.

Designers Galindo and Savahl both presented their approaches to contemporary fashion, artistry, innovation, and statement-making design. Galindo, a Mexican-American designer, has worked in the industry for over 35 years. He previously designed for Diane von Furstenberg and revealed to us that DVF is also his current inspiration.

As for Ema Savahl, her work has always emphasized innovation and tech, and she is known for hand-painting artwork onto clothing to create 3D textures and using optical illusions to manipulate body shapes.

Galindo and Savahl are certainly two designers to keep an eye on. When asked what’s next for his brand, Galindo said he plans to expand his retail relationships and grow distribution.

XOXO,

Your Fashion Bestie