If I ever, in some alternate universe, became a model, I imagine one of the biggest professional challenges to overcome would be never knowing what to do with my hands. And based on the Fall 2026 runways, I’m wondering if that’s not a real issue that today’s models actually face — one for which several designers and stylists offered intriguing solutions this New York Fashion Week by giving models an array of objects to hold (as if at a wedding photo booth) whilst traipsing down the catwalk. And we’re not just talking handbags.
L to R: Aknvas x Okapa, Jane Wade x Hydrojug, Collina Strada x SynergyPhotos: Launchmetrics Spotlight
In some cases, these handheld “accessories” were in fact clever product placements for sponsors: At Jane Wade, models carried branded Hydrojug water bottles alongside cans of Red Bull. At Collina Strada, one carried and opened a bottle of Guava Goddess-flavored (IYKYK) GT’s kombucha, as if she’d just popped into an NYC bodega and grabbed it. (Kombucha was also provided to guests.) At Aknvas, corset tops and ballgowns were accessorized with bejeweled Okapa water bottles, sometimes carried in designer Christian Juul Nielsen’s skunk-inspired faux-fur holders. This on-the-go look also tied into an aspect of the collection focused on traveling, as the designer himself explained.
Left: Gabe Gordon Fall 2026; right: Diotima Fall 2026Photos: Launchmetrics Spotlight
Elsewhere, held objects were only there to illustrate a collection’s theme or point of inspiration: At Diotima’s Fall 2026 runway (styled Marika-Ella Ames), several models were grasping the prettiest whips — yes, whips — you’ll ever see; these coiled, fringe-adorned accoutrements nod to an equestrian element within Rachel Scott’s collection, titled “Femme Cheval” (French for “horse woman”) and inspired by artist Wifredo Lam’s painting of the same name. Meanwhile at Gabe Gordon, a few models dangled pairs of well-worn ice skates while traversing the runway; alongside the Tonya Harding-style bangs, the footwear helped drive home his “Frostbite” collection’s horror-meets-figure-skating theme.
L: Contessa Mills Fall 2026; all the rest: J. Press Fall 2026Photos: Launchmetrics Spotlight
Of course, not every item carried by a NYFW model was imbued with history; many were ultimately just practical, everyday objects. At J. Press, models carried umbrellas, books and instruments in alignment with new designer Jack Carlson’s main reference for Spring 2026 (the brand showed in-season): Teruyoshi Hayashida’s “Take Ivy,” considered the definitive book on American collegiate style. At Contessa Mills’ debut NYFW show, a model also walked with an umbrella, tying into the designer’s exploration of the elemental force of water.
TWP Fall 2026 accessoriesPhotos: Launchmetrics Spotlight
At the TWP show, inspired by city dwellers who long for the country, designer Trish Westcoat Pound (aided by stylist Jordan Bickman) sent models down the pampas grass-lined runway holding relatively normal stuff: pairs of sumptuous leather gloves, sun hats co-designed by Gigi Burris, metal flasks within branded leather holders…
AWGE Fall 2026 by A$AP RockyPhotos: Launchmetrics Spotlight
Gloves were also hand-held (rather than worn) at Kallmeyer, Fforme and AWGE. Designed by none other than A$AP Rocky and styled by Matthew Henson, the latter show was actually rife with objects: In addition to the racing-inspired gloves, models brought branded helmets, coffee cups, fur baby carriers (fake baby seemingly included), a stroller and #spon Ray-Ban glasses cases onto the runway. There was also an open umbrella (bad luck perhaps, but a necessary ode to front-row guest Rihanna) and a white garment bag with “WE 💔 OUR COUNTRY” on the back. (Per the show notes, the collection was meant to “break the fourth wall of fashion.”)
L to R: Zankov, Ulla Johnson, Collina Strada and Fforme Fall 2026Photos: Launchmetrics Spotlight
In addition to gloves, this “hold it instead of wear it” philosophy also extended to scarves at countless shows including TWP, 7 For All Mankind, Ulla Johnson, Fforme, Zankov, Collina Strada, Ossou, Michael Kors, Kallmeyer, Area and Marina Moscone.On the more whimsical side of things, models at Cult Gaia and Akki carried flowers and other gardening paraphernalia.
Cult Gaia Fall 2026 accessoriesPhotos: Launchmetrics Spotlight
The final category within the “objects as accessories” genre was objects that, it turns out, are also handbags: A metal lion, fish and mushroom, as well as a ceramic-seeming “vase” holding three calla lilies, accessorized looks at Cult Gaia, which the designer described in the show notes as having “always existed at the intersection of garment and object.” Then there were the soft-leather footballs and baseball mitts at Coach, their true function given away by golden metal clasps.
Coach Fall 2026 handbagsPhoto: Launchmetrics Spotlight
Overall, the memo is clear: Never show up anywhere empty-handed this fall.Fashionista is the leading online destination for current and aspiring fashion and beauty industry professionals. Reach businesses, students and consumers alike with our range of digital offerings.
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