Pre-NYFW: AI x Fashion Kickoff
The Future is Human-in-the-Loop.
Kick off the February 2026 Fashion Week season with an exclusive evening of high-level networking and a "scuba-deep" exploration of the convergence of Artificial Intelligence and Fashion.
Two weeks before the runway shows begin, Daylight Studio is gathering a curated group of 100+ industry leaders—founders, designers, VCs, and tech innovators—in our Flatiron studio to move past the AI hype and discuss the 2026 outlook for the craft.
THE EXPERIENCE
6:00 PM: Light Snacks, Refreshments & Curated Networking. Featuring an atmospheric soundscape by our live DJ, specifically curated to stimulate easy conversation and creative flow.
7:00 PM: The 2026 Outlook Panel. A focused discussion on AI's role in circularity, production, and the preservation of the creative soul.
8:00 PM: Studio Showcase & Elixir Service. Networking continues alongside a physical garment gallery. Enjoy an exclusive tasting of “Clean Energy, Crafted by Nature”—a botanical drink designed to stimulate the brain and open the heart.
PANELISTS:
Moderator: Angela Chan-Danisi | The Industry Strategist A global executive advisor, Forbes Contributor, and Adjunct Professor at Kent State’s School of Fashion. Angela anchors the discussion by connecting AI’s strategic promise with real-world execution and measurable commercial impact.
Marie Driscoll, CFA | The Wall Street Authority Marie is a world-renowned retail analyst and a three-time winner of The Wall Street Journal’s "Best on the Street" award. As the Founder of Driscoll Advisors and a Professor at Parsons, she bridges the gap between high-finance investment strategies and the evolving luxury market. Perspective: The "Investor’s Lens"—breaking down how AI-driven efficiency impacts brand valuations and market ROI.
Cate Khan | Cate Khan | The Predictive Pulse CEO of Trendalytics, an AI-powered platform decoding billions of consumer signals to forecast the future of retail. A Wharton MBA and former Head of Retail at Amazon (Diapers.com), Cate co-founded the retail platform Verishop and held leadership roles at L’Oréal and Avon. She brings a rare 360-degree view of how data-heavy logic intersects with the creative soul of a brand. Perspective: "Predictive Logic"—demonstrating how AI layers proprietary technology over human signals to help designers validate their intuition, eliminate waste, and drive profitable, soul-led decisions.
Heidi Van Dyck | The Operational Innovator The Founder of Athena Studio and a former McKinsey & Company consultant (Apparel, Fashion & Luxury), Heidi is a leading voice in AI implementation. Her work focuses on using AI as a "co-pilot" to handle complex supply chain and operational data, freeing designers to focus on their craft. Perspective:"The AI Co-Pilot"—explaining how technology removes administrative friction to empower human creativity.
Chuks Collins | The Creative Visionary Chuks is a celebrated fashion designer known for cross-cultural, high-concept aesthetics that merge heritage with futurism. His work has been featured in Vogue and Forbes, and he is an early adopter of using technology to expand the boundaries of ethical and sustainable design. Perspective: "The Designer’s Truth"—keeping the dialogue grounded in the actual craft, soul, and ethics of making fashion.
Neha Singh | The Discovery Visionary Neha is the Founder & CEO of Stellar AI, a platform transforming search and discovery for luxury brands. A retail-tech pioneer, she previously founded Obsess, the industry-leading immersive commerce platform used by Dior, Ralph Lauren, and Charlotte Tilbury to create 3D virtual flagships. With a background at Google and a career dedicated to digital innovation, Neha is at the forefront of the next evolution of retail.Perspective: "Intuitive Discovery" — bridging the gap between high-end brand storytelling and AI search optimization to ensure the luxury experience remains personalized and seamless.
WHO’S IN THE ROOM?
This event is strictly curated for NYC-based Brand Founders, Creative Directors, CEOs, VCs, and Innovation Leads.
Dress Code: Fashion-Forward.
Access: Space is strictly limited.