WME has sold the trademarks and digital assets associated with New York Fashion Week, while the CFDA retains control of the event’s official schedule and governance
WME Group has sold the intellectual property behind New York Fashion Week to Signet Fashion, transferring ownership of the event’s trademarks, logos, and digital assets, including the New York Fashion Week, NYFW, and NYFW: The Shows brands, as well as their associated website and social media channels.
The transaction marks the end of WME’s ownership of one of fashion’s most recognizable event brands. However, it does not transfer operational control of New York Fashion Week itself.
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) will continue to oversee the Official New York Fashion Week Schedule and remain responsible for the event’s calendar and governance. In a statement following the announcement, CFDA president and chief executive officer Steven Kolb emphasized that the organization’s role remains unchanged, describing the official schedule as “the authoritative calendar” while welcoming Signet’s investment in the platform.
That distinction is central to understanding the deal.
For years, WME—through IMG Fashion—served as the commercial operator behind NYFW: The Shows, managing sponsorships, venue production, and branded experiences while also owning the event’s trademarks. Over time, however, those responsibilities became increasingly separate. While the CFDA continued organizing the official calendar, WME gradually shifted away from producing centralized Fashion Week programming, focusing instead on talent representation through businesses such as IMG Models, The Wall Group, and Art + Commerce.
The sale reflects that strategic shift. Rather than operating Fashion Week as a live event business, WME has increasingly concentrated on representing models, photographers, stylists, creative directors, and other fashion talent. The company had reportedly been exploring a sale of the New York Fashion Week intellectual property for approximately two years.
For Signet Fashion, the acquisition represents something different. According to the company, it plans to expand the New York Fashion Week brand through live programming, digital content, media production, brand partnerships, and year-round audience engagement. While the company has not yet announced specific initiatives, the acquisition gives it control over one of fashion’s most recognizable event identities and the digital platforms associated with it.
The distinction between owning the brand and organizing the event may become increasingly important. Designers will continue showing on the CFDA’s official calendar, regardless of who owns the trademarks, while companies such as Signet can develop programming, experiences, and commercial initiatives under the New York Fashion Week name.
Legal experts also noted that ownership of the trademarks could have broader implications. Susan Scafidi, founder of Fordham University’s Fashion Law Institute, told WWD that companies using “New York Fashion Week” or similar branding will need to be mindful of trademark protections following the transfer, potentially increasing the importance of licensing and brand management around the event’s identity.
The acquisition ultimately reshapes the business surrounding New York Fashion Week rather than the event itself. The runways, official schedule, and designer calendar remain under the CFDA’s stewardship, while Signet assumes ownership of the commercial identity that has long been associated with Fashion Week. As the industry continues to expand beyond the traditional show calendar through digital content, partnerships, and year-round programming, separating the event from its intellectual property may prove to be the most significant outcome of the deal.