New York Fashion Week begins next week with Ralph Lauren and Coach leading a lineup of American heritage brands that have attracted younger Gen Z shoppers in Asia and North America. The event opens with their runway shows on Wednesday, the eve of the official start, after both brands recorded strong growth in recent months. Ralph Lauren has benefited from renewed interest in cable-knit sweaters and polo shirts, while Coach has drawn demand for its Tabby bags. Tommy Hilfiger is returning after a hiatus, following a collaboration with NFL star Travis Kelce. Tori López, Fashion Market Editor at W Magazine, described the comeback as a strong addition to the event’s American heritage group. The broader premium U.S. apparel market remains uneven: Michael Kors has faced sluggish sales, while war in the Middle East has reduced European tourism and weighed on the global luxury sector. Bain & Company said U.S. growth driven by domestic brands and younger consumers is partly offsetting slowdowns in the Middle East and Europe. Henry Zankov will present his first-ever collection for Diane von Furstenberg on Thursday, and Thom Browne will close the event, which runs until September 15. The schedule includes about 70 runway shows and designer presentations, featuring Carolina Herrera, Christian Siriano, Calvin Klein and New York native Conner Ives, who is making his NYFW debut after dressing celebrities for the Met Gala.