A Global Tapestry of Couture
This February 13 & 14, 2026, the historic Edison Ballroom will once again serve as the epicenter of sartorial innovation as hiTechMODA Season 15 makes its highly anticipated return to New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
The Friday, February 13, 2026, designer roster is a masterfully curated celebration of global diversity, transforming the historic Edison Ballroom into a breathtaking intersection of culture and high fashion. This season, the runway serves as a living canvas for an eclectic mix of international aesthetics, spanning the vibrant traditions of South Asia to the sleek, avant-garde streets of London and New York.
hiTechMODA
What to Expect on the Runway
Attendees will witness a definitive range of collections that challenge the traditional boundaries of form and function:
- Avant-Garde Sculpture: Prepare for high-concept, sculptural gowns that treat fabric as an architectural medium, pushing the limits of silhouette and structure.
- Cultural Fusion: Experience the seamless blend of heritage and modernity, featuring designers like Paaie, whose “Indo-Western” masterpieces redefine ethnic luxury for a global stage.
- Red Carpet Opulence: Expect the unapologetic glamour of designers like Marc Defang and Alonso Maximo, whose work—frequently seen on Miss Universe and Miss USA titleholders—marries meticulous hand-craftsmanship with stage-ready drama.
- Sustainable Innovation: The roster also highlights the “Responsible Luxury” movement, featuring visionaries like Wajahat Mirza and Karen Gold, who prove that high-end couture can be both ethically manufactured and aesthetically groundbreaking.
The Evening Schedule
The Friday showcase is split into two distinct high-energy segments:
8:00 PM Premier Showcase: A headline event featuring industry heavyweights Marc Defang, Paaie, and Alonso Maximo Design, alongside special guest designer Jus10H by Justin Hayes..
Why This Roster Matters
Under the executive production of PS (Pamela) Privette, this lineup isn’t just a fashion show; it is a statement on the democratization of the runway. By uniting emerging production talent with established icons, hiTechMODA continues to provide a professional platform where innovation meets opportunity, ensuring that the future of fashion is as diverse and continues moving as the world it dresses. This platform continues to elevate all designers with the name of the production company, hiTechMODA. We rise together.
Fashion calendar:
March 7, 2026: Paris Fashion Week
May 14 – 18, 2026: Cannes Film Festival
June 19, 2026: Moda at Tokyo, Japan Fashion Week
August TBA 2026: Bradford and Rand Luxury Hamptons Event
September 13 & 14, 2026: New York Fashion Week
Interested Designers email PSPrivette@hitechmoda.com
Tickets may be purchased at www.hitechmoda.com
Designers not in order of showcase
Marc Defang @marcdefang
A Consistent New York Fashion Week Presence: A fixture at New York Fashion Week, he has showcased major collections including the “Golden Couture”, “Pink Couture”, and his recent Spring/Summer 2026 Women’s Formalwear collection at the Edison Ballroom. Having Diverse Market Reach He successfully diversified his brand beyond footwear into specialized clothing lines, such as “Fun Fashion” (for kids and teens), “Interview Wear”, and luxury activewear. His 2024–2025 collaborations with high-profile production houses like hiTechMODA further solidified his status as a top-tier designer who creates immersive theatrical fashion.
Through his business, he supports numerous non-profits focused on empowering young women. He is frequently cited for his donations and scholarships provided to contestants in various pageant systems.
+1. He created a robust Style Spokesmodel program that mentors hundreds of young women annually, teaching them about branding, professional conduct, and the fashion industry.
Paaie @paaiellc
Paaie has achieved significant success by evolving from a student-led jewelry startup into an international runway staple. Owned and operated by the Gupta family (Mayank, Anjali, and their daughters Riya and Yashvi), the brand’s major accomplishments include:
New York Fashion Week (NYFW) As of early 2026, Paaie has completed five consecutive appearances at NYFW. Their most recent high-profile show in September 2025 featured over 55 models and drew international acclaim for its “living canvas” approach to ethnic couture. With an International Expansion: Beyond New York, the brand has successfully staged runway shows in Paris, Orlando, and Washington, D.C., Paris and with sites in Milan and Cannes in the future establishing itself as a global representative of modern Indo-Western fashion.
With Rapid Evolution being Founded in 2018 as a modest jewelry project by Riya and Yashvi (who were then in middle school), the brand successfully pivoted to full-scale apparel in 2022. With a National Reach: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand scaled its digital operations and now serves over 12,000 customers nationwide through its e-commerce platform. And a Flagship Retail They transitioned from trade shows to a permanent physical presence with a flagship retail store in Dulles, Virginia and looking for expansion to another location.
The brand is credited with bridging the gap between traditional Indian heritage and contemporary Western silhouettes, making high-end ethnic wear (like hand-embroidered Lehengas and Sherwanis) accessible to the North American market.
Like other top designers in this niche, Paaie has been recognized for its focus on authentic craftsmanship and its ability to represent South Asian culture on the world’s most prestigious fashion stages.
Alonso Maximo Design @alonsomaximodesign
Maximo is a highly sought-after designer for the Miss Universe pageant. His designs have been worn by contestants from numerous countries, including Nicaragua, Denmark, Germany, and Chile. Notably, he was awarded Best National Costume at the Miss Universe competition for his work with Miss USA (who placed in the top 10 for National Costume).
New York Fashion Week (NYFW): He is a recurring headliner for hiTechMODA productions. He most recently showcased his Spring/Summer 2026 collection at The Edison Ballroom in September 2025 and is scheduled to unveil his “Wisdom” collection in February 2026 as the closing designer. He is a highly sought out designer to showcase during fashion weeks due to his designs and showmanship on the runway.
In 2019, he reached a broader audience by dressing the award-winning band La Energía Norteña for New York Fashion Week, demonstrating his versatility beyond evening gowns.
Beyond New York, his collections have been featured at Latin Fashion Week Colorado and various high-end expos in Arizona and North Carolina.
Expansion as an International Producer: In October 31 2025 Produced the first major fashion show that mimicked New York Fashion Week, named Elite Fashion Show in his home town of Oaxaca, Mexico. The production company will continue to Mexico City in 2026.
His signature style work is characterized by intricate detailing, rich color palettes, and a focus on “versatile beauty.” He often incorporates elements from specific customs and demographics into his haute couture, also his boutique in Walford, Connecticut offers Custom Bridal, Red Carpet, Pageant and Event Wear, Image Consult.
Karen Gold @karengoldlondon
Karen Gold is a luxury sustainable fashion designer based in London. Since establishing her brand in 2015, she has become known for her “contemporary with an edge” aesthetic, which frequently fuses British craftsmanship with her Nigerian heritage.
Based on current industry records as of early 2026, her major accomplishments include:
Gold is a regular participant in the “Big Four” fashion weeks. Her collections have been featured at London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and New York Fashion Week.
“One of a Kind”: This collection debuted at London and Paris Fashion Weeks, receiving acclaim for its use of geometric brocade and embroidered floral mesh to celebrate African heritage through a modern, “refined” lens.
: Presented during London Fashion Week at the Hard Rock Hotel London, this collection was inspired by her Jamaican heritage and emphasized “cruise wear” and multifunctional tailored pieces.
Suave Suits by Wajahat Mirza @wajahathmirza
Wajahat Mirza has built a distinguished career spanning over 20 years, moving from high-fashion couture in London and Chicago to becoming a sustainable luxury pioneer.
One of his most significant creative milestones was the launch of his Spring/Summer 2023 “Lilibet” collection at the Royal Guard Hotel during London Fashion Week. The collection was a dedicated honor to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
It utilized a symbolic black and gold palette, featuring regal fabrics like velvet and silk, decorated with the same intricate hand embroidery—pearls and Swarovski crystals—found in royal attire. The show was presented both physically and digitally, bridging the gap between traditional British heritage and modern international couture.
Transitioning from garments to accessories, Mirza successfully founded Suave Suede, a New York-based luxury brand. He successfully created a line of high-end, functional handbags and briefcases that combine New York’s architectural “sleekness” with old-world craftsmanship. Each piece emphasizes “slow fashion” and durability, targeting modern professionals who value ethical luxury.
Mirza has achieved the “Global Fashion Trifecta” by consistently. Wajahat Mirza’s career represents a blend of high-end artistry and a deep commitment to the future of the planet through sustainable design.
Special Guest designer Jus10n by Justin Hayes @theofficialjus10h
Justin Haynes (often searched as Justin Hayes) is an internationally recognized American fashion designer, master tailor, and the founder of the luxury lifestyle brand JUS10H.
Originally from Springfield, Massachusetts, he has risen from a retail background to become a prominent figure in the global fashion industry, known for his “retro-chic” aesthetic and vibrant, patchwork-driven designs.
He is a member of the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), a mark of high distinction in the American fashion world.
Haynes has the rare distinction of showcasing in nearly all major fashion capitals, including New York, Paris, Milan, London, Dubai, and Tokyo. He was notably the first designer from Springfield to showcase at the Eiffel Tower during Paris Fashion Week.
Sustainable Designer of the Year (2024): He was named “Sustainable Designer of the Year” at the 8th Global Sustainable Fashion Week in Budapest, Hungary, where he was also the guest of honor.
He serves as the Vice Chairman of the Tokyo Fashion Council (the first African American recognized as a Japanese Industry Leader) and the Vice President of the West Africa Fashion Council.
His designs have been worn by high-profile stars including Nick Cannon, Kelly Ripa, Winston Duke (Black Panther), Melissa McCarthy, and Briana Roy (Raven’s Home).
: In July 2025, it was announced that Haynes’ garments would be featured on seasons 28 and 29 of the hit NBC show The Voice.
He has teased upcoming work for high-profile film projects, including tailoring associated with the anticipated development of The Devil Wears Prada 2.
“The Knot’s Best of Weddings”: He received back-to-back recognition in 2024 and 2025 for his excellence in formal and bridal wear.
He is currently preparing to headline international stages for the Spring/Summer 2026 season, continuing his “Bringing Fashion to Your Everyday Life” mission.
The JUS10H brand is defined by its:
Vibrant Colors & Elegant Patchwork: He is known for mixing rich fabrics and patterns in unconventional but sophisticated ways.
Master Tailoring: With a background as a tailor, his pieces are celebrated for their sharp cuts and precise fit.
Upcycled Luxury: A pioneer in “new-age” sustainable fashion, often using upcycled materials to create one-of-a-kind ready-to-wear pieces.
