At a defining moment for 7 For All Mankind (7FAM), Nicola Brognano chose New York Fashion Week as the stage for his first collection as creative director, a decision rooted in both instinct and intention.

As the organizer of the official New York Fashion Week schedule, the CFDA continues to champion American brands and global voices shaping the future of fashion, and Brognano’s debut marked a meaningful addition to that dialogue.

Grounded in the brand’s early-2000s denim legacy and reimagined through a contemporary lens, the collection embraced New York’s directness, inclusivity, and fearless mix of heritage and innovation. Lean silhouettes, confident sensuality, and elevated denim spoke to a woman defined by ease and attitude, reflecting the very spirit of New York.

In the conversation below, Brognano reflects on honoring 7 For All Mankind’s iconic past while charting its next chapter within the evolving landscape of American fashion.

You’ve stepped into the role of creative director at 7FAM at a pivotal moment for the brand. What felt urgent to you creatively when you first arrived?

There wasn’t a real creative urgency, but rather a very natural process. When I arrived, the first thing I asked myself was what felt right for the brand and its identity. 7FAM has a strong, iconic history, deeply rooted in denim and early-2000s American culture. My starting point was understanding how to honor that heritage while making it relevant today. I began by defining a clear image of the woman — her attitude, her confidence, her effortless sensuality — and from there I developed a vision that feels contemporary yet recognizable.

You chose to debut your first collection at New York Fashion Week. Why was this the right stage for this moment?

I chose New York because 7FAM is an American brand, and it felt natural to present the collection within its cultural context. Our main market is the U.S., so showing there was a coherent and almost instinctive decision. Beyond that, I truly love the energy of New York — it’s direct, authentic, and inclusive. It’s a city unafraid to mix high and low, luxury and street, heritage and innovation. That spirit reflects both the brand’s DNA and the direction we want to take.

Showing in New York positions 7FAM within a broader American fashion conversation. What dialogue are you hoping to enter (or disrupt)?

I hope to enter into dialogue with other American brands, not in a competitive way but as an active part of the conversation. I believe New York was missing a brand like 7FAM — one with such a strong denim identity, a deeply rooted Y2K legacy, and a global yet accessible positioning. We want to occupy a space that merges nostalgia with modernity, becoming a reference point for a new generation seeking both authenticity and desirability.

How do you see 7FAM contributing to the next chapter of American luxury?

We don’t define ourselves as a traditional luxury brand. We see ourselves more as “entry luxury” — a form of democratic luxury. We want to remain accessible, keeping prices aligned with our audience, while never compromising on quality, research, or image. The goal is to offer a product that is desirable yet inclusive, able to speak to a wide audience without losing its identity. I believe the future of American luxury also lies in this ability to be aspirational without being distant.

Sustainability and longevity are central conversations in fashion today. How are you approaching these values at 7FAM?

Sustainability and longevity are essential values today. Our approach starts with product quality: creating pieces that last over time, both in terms of construction and aesthetic relevance. We are continuously working to improve our production processes, selecting more responsible materials and partners who are mindful of environmental impact. For us, sustainability also means building a conscious wardrobe — pieces designed to be worn season after season.

If this debut is the prologue, what can we expect from the next chapter?

If this debut was the prologue, the next chapter will be a surprise. I can only say that we will continue to evolve, staying true to our identity while pushing ourselves a little further, exploring new categories and new expressions of the brand. The best is yet to come.