On one side of the runway, State Assemblymember Jordan Wright hit a quarter turn; on another side, City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks dropped a fierce over-the-shoulder look back.
Did these two give up their political careers for fashion modeling? No, but they did take the opportunity to join 29 other elected officials on the Sept. 9 catwalk in this year’s Style Across the Aisle showcase, in which politicians and fashion designers spend an evening trading policy for polish.
Now in its third year, the event reflects the city’s rich diversity by recruiting designers who highlight their own techniques and styles spanning various religions, boroughs, and backgrounds from Puerto Rico to Korea. Many also took immense pride in showing off the city’s champion sports team’s colors in their work.
“We all know what that moment feels when a stranger stops feeling like a stranger,” said Skye Ostreicher, founder and creator of Style Across the Aisle, in a statement. “That’s what this event is about — bringing people together as people first, before titles, parties, or labels.”
The politicians and their designers walked the runway on the Metropolitan Opera House’s iconic grand staircase. In previous years, the show was held at Gracie Mansion and the New York County Surrogate’s Court.
“This is a very beautiful occasion where you get to see elected officials styled in wonderful garments from their district and local designers,” said Councilmember Kevin Riley during the event. Riley was sporting a matching bright orange and blue Knicks-themed ensemble with Bronx designer Mugzy McFly, who started working in the fashion industry at 13.
Councilmember Yusef Salaam took to the runway in a white fur jacket alongside designer Mel Maxi. Their connection went back decades, having grown up in the same neighborhood and played in the same park as children. Maxi also designed Wright’s all-Black apparel.
From left to right: Councilmember Kevin Riley, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, fashion designer Mugsy McFly, and Councilmember Crystal Hudson. (Ariama C. Long photo) 
Assemblymember Jordan Wright modeling Mel Maxi designs at the Style Across the Aisle event on Sept. 9, 2026. (Ariama C. Long photo) 
Councilmember Kevin Riley (left) and fashion designer Mugzy McFly (right) modeling his designs at the fashion show at the MET Opera House on Sept. 9. (Ariama C. Long photo) 
Councilmember Susan Zhuang (left) and designer Imani Desrameaux (right) on the runway on Sept. 9. (Ariama C. Long photo) 
Councilmember Amanda Farias (left) and designer Edwin Reyes (right) walk the runway at Style Across the Aisle. (Ariama C. Long photo) 
From left to right: Councilmember Crystal Hudson, U.S. Rep Tom Suozzi, fashion designer Mugsy McFly, and Councilmember Kevin Riley. (Ariama C. Long photo) 
Councilmember Kamillah Hanks modeling Miriya Love and Yvonne Liao NYC design at the Style Across the Aisle event on Sept. 9. (Ariama C. Long photo) 
Harlemite Councilmember Yusef Salaam (left) and designer Mel Maxi (right) at the fashion show on Sept. 9. (Ariama C. Long photo)
The WITNESS to Mass Incarceration Art of Tailoring and Fashion Design program fitted Councilmember Crystal Hudson with a WNBA New York Liberty team-themed suit and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams in a blue jean Knicks-themed outfit.
Designer Imani Desrameaux, who created the Madonna Label, styled Councilmember Susan Zhuang in a sleek, blush pink and red gown for the event. Designer and Bronxite Terese Sydonna Brown outfitted State Senator Nathalia Fernandez.
Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams looked regal in an all-Black gown from Zsane By The Alexanders, a bridal atelier.
Hanks was styled by two designers: Yana Ilyaich, who heads the Miriya Love label, and Yvonne Liao, who owns a footwear company.
