Essie Buckman is an award-winning Designer & Creative Director. After completing a BA Honours in Fashion Design with Marketing at the prestigious Central Saint Martins she was selected by Willie Walters to debut her first collection at the coveted BA Press Show (2017).

From this, Fortie Label was born, and quickly garnered a variety of press attention featuring in noted fashion publications such as Italian Vogue and i-D. Essie Buckman’s clientele include icons such as Rihanna, CL and Jorja Smith.

Essie Buckman continues to work on her own brand as well as designing/consulting for major brands such as Nike, Fenty and Calvin Klein.

Essie Buckman

Once again the frenzy of fashion week fills up New York City's streets showcasing an extravagant and flamboyant display of some of the hottest fits so far. Between jumping from show to show and nursing a hangover from drinking one too many margaritas at a fashion party, finding a place to unwind can be necessary in order to survive the week.

Award-winning designer for Nike, Calvin Klien and Fortie, creative director, Essie Buckman knows the ins and outs of the fashion industry. The designer has been featured in fashion publications such as Italian Vogue and i-D, with her clientele including icons such as Rihanna, CL and Jorja Smith to name a few. 

Check out Buckman's guide to New York City hotspots you need to go to this fashion week, with the trendiest cafes to up-and-coming designer stores.

New York City 

A meet up spot for the fashion heads that you can’t miss if you’re coming for NYFW


My favourite is the Caesar Salad on the menu. It’s always good to catch up with people outside. I’ve been meeting friends at this spot all fashion week. 

This is my girl’s Korean soju bar. Ideal for between shows to get a quick drink and hang with friends or take a lil meeting. Such a vibe, I recommend this place A LOT!

Love this spot for a quick bite and drinks in the city. Especially after a long shopping day in soho. Watch out for the skater boys who are destined to ruin your life as supreme is right around the corner. Highly recommend the green papaya salad, ginger chicken, Chinese broccoli and fried rice!


Such a fun shopping experience, it’s giving clueless or laundrette! You can definitely find something cute in there exclusively from independent/upcoming designers. I particularly love their super weird selection of jewellery and accessories

The freshest sushi in NYC. So tasty and so good! Don’t fuck around, just get the Omakase tasting menu and try it all! They have a cocktail with a lychee in it, I can’t remember the name but I can’t stop ordering them.. clearly!


If you wanna ditch the fashion week parties for a bit as I surely will. You can head to Brooklyn and dance the night away at paragon! Guaranteed good music to get lost to in the smoke machines and lights
