The Best Seat at New York Fashion Week? Your Mother’s Lap

Babies weren’t only sitting front row—they were active participants in New York Fashion Week. After Satenstein’s son, Sy, enjoyed the Eckhaus Latta show from the front row, he got in on the action by modeling for Colbo, carried down the runway in his mother’s arms. Writers Sarah Hoover and Leandra Medine Cohen both arrived at the Tory Burch x Substack party at Raf’s, babies strapped to their chests.

When it came to bringing her 17-month-old daughter, Fred, Hoover says it was a matter of convenience, “Raf’s is on my block and the event was on a Saturday when I spend time at home with my kids, so I really had no choice,” she says. “But also, Fred and I have breakfast and lunch at Raf’s a lot. It’s our date spot. I felt like I was cheating on her to go without her!” Echoing Vallario, Hoover knew that Burch and Derek Blasberg, the hosts—both of whom are parents—wouldn’t bat an eye at a tiny plus-one. “I hope I’m not disowned for forgetting to RSVP [Fred]. But, honestly, everyone seemed very thrilled to have an afternoon squeeze on a sweet, chubby baby,” she says. “Derek and Tory both have kids, and it was a quick walk home in case we had a scary diaper situation.”

Still, while they’re certainly an attention-grabbing addition to any outfit, a baby is not an accessory. While many people are clamoring for front-row seats at a fashion show, some of the younger attendees may not grasp that just yet. Back at the Sandy Liang show, 3-year-old Aaliyah may be jockeying for a seat of her own come next season. “I don’t wanna sit on your lap!” she cries to her mother. “That’s okay, baby, you sit here and I’ll sit on your lap,” Vallario offers. So what gets Aaliyah pumped for a runway? “Bribery,” Vallario says. “We’re going to get ice cream after this.”