The Tamesis
Somewhere on the skyline on Friday night, a group of celebrities had smiles on their faces. “We need to get something for Billy,” Matt Bomer shouted to Naomi Watts, who was shopping for her husband, actor Billy Crudup. The “something” in question? A new piece from Jonathan Simkhai’s Fall 2026 collection, which he unveiled a few hours ago in a sprawling gallery space.
“I mean, gosh, this looks more like a work of art,” echoed supermodel Helena Christensen, pointing to a bordeaux-colored feather column gown. “This is for vanity fair Oscar party,” she said, as an excuse to take a closer look. (Any publicists reading this, please consider this your cue.)
With the Brooklyn Bridge as a backdrop, the Fall 2026 collection spread throughout the gallery, where dinner guests were invited to explore tailored suits, draped dresses and cape-embellished evening wear. The soaring space, conceived by Alexander May, is layered with twentieth-century design, sculptural metal work and modernist furniture around the shelves, transforming the display into a high-profile collision of fashion, art and Friday night fun.
As a special surprise, Simkhai also revealed his fall campaign Mise-en-scène. Some of the actors – Naomi Watts, Malcolm McRae and Betsy Gargan – lingered salon-style next to life-size photos, wearing the same outfits as when they were shot, allowing guests to move seamlessly between image and reality for a perfect life-imitating-art moment.
“It’s kind of like therapy for me; getting people together and interacting,” Simkay told Fashion. “I think that’s one of the most rewarding parts of being at fashion week as a designer. Throughout my journey, the people in this community have been so gracious and supportive. Tonight was about being able to celebrate each other and celebrate together.” For his guests, the feeling was mutual. “It’s a big love fest,” Watts shared. “Jonathan is the most charming, lovable and authentic person – but that’s not always the case in the fashion world.”
The evening concluded with a candlelight dinner, where Malcolm McRae entertained guests with an effortlessly charming performance. In between sips of wine, plates of Parisian gnocchi appeared – and it’s worth noting that they were simply divine. (Simkay promised Vogue before the meal that “the food will be OK” — and that’s not a myth.) As always, Simkhai treated attendees to a signature parting gift: one of the brand’s famous oyster shell clutches, as well as gourmet treats curated by the night’s sponsors. It was the perfect Friday night during Fashion Week.
