This New York Fashion Week was far from any other Fashion Week we’re used to. This time around, the catwalks gave us just as much reason to dress up as they did to party.

Despite not even showing during the fashion week calendar, nothing could stop Alexander Wang from throwing a party. I mean, hello? He’s Alexander Wang. The beloved designer decided to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center. New York Fashion Week’s party scene has recently been pretty dull, which is why Wang thought it needed a little “spice” and decided to go with the theme “Straight Outta China(town).” Wang’s blowout party had musical performances by Trina, Tommy Genesis, and City Girls; as well as model and celebrity appearances by Kaia Gerber and Ansel Elgort. Even though he was off the Fashion Week calendar, this time around, he wanted to provide the entertainment that he thought it deserved (besides the clothes, of course).

But, Wang wasn’t the only one who shook things up during Fashion Week. Opening Ceremony is also into the concept of Chinatown. The brand hosted a fundraising event on Sunday called “Pig Out” at 50 Bowery to raise money for the Museum of Chinese in America and APEX for Youth.

Alexander Wang and Ansel Elgort

The parties didn’t stop there. Prabal Gurung hosted a dinner at East Village hotspot, Baar Baar, alongside Grey Goose in honor of Prabal’s Fall Winter 2019 collection. VIP guests included MJ Rodriguez, Bella Thorne, Lana Condor and Zara Larsson.

In a speech to his eclectic audience, Prabal noted the importance of celebrating inclusivity through his work—toasting individuals from different races, religions, genders, and backgrounds at the event. True to form, the “wokest” man in fashion’s dinner was attended by the likes of Black Lives Matter founder DeRay McKesson and poet and activist Cleo Wade. The entire evening was an ode to the East-meets-West, the inspiration for Prabal’s new collection. This was seen through from Baar Baar’s elevated Indian cuisine to the moving performance from Nepalese model and singer Varsha Thapa. 

Another turn-up function this season came by way of Milanese fashion brand, Palm Angels, who crashed NYFW with its first runway in the big apple. Designer Francesco Ragazzi told The Associated Press that he wanted his show to be “a new challenge.” “I always start with a new challenge, and definitely New York is a great energy,” he said. “I’m trying to bring my own vision here, just trying to tell my story.”

Ragazzi brought great energy on the catwalk that had beams of strobing light, and brought that same vibe to his after party held at the same venue. With attendance by Vic Mensa and even Luka Sabbat DJing, this banger was one you didn’t want to miss. And if you did, well that’s a shame.