Photographed by Landon Nordeman

Show day doesn’t begin and end with models on the runway. Tory takes us through her day.


5:00 AM
The alarm is going off, but I have been awake for awhile — reading reviews and everyone’s thoughts on when and if the Fashion Week schedule is going to change. An exciting time to be in the industry…
5:30 AM
I’m sitting in hair and makeup and reviewing my notes for backstage interviews. Fall/Winter 2016 is inspired by the café scene in Eric Rohmer’s 1972 classic L’amour après midi and Parisian street style from that era mixed in with equestrian elements…
6:00 AM
Usually I have to wake my boys up, but they beat me to it!
6:45 AM
I kiss my boys good luck and leave with our show-day photographer for Lincoln Center.
7:10 AM
The sets look amazing. I love the graphic tile runway.
8:45 AM
Time for the rehearsal. The models are all wearing Tory Sport tracksuits — I’m so excited to be showing Sport on the runway for the first time. The Gemini Link collection works beautifully styled in with the collection (and it makes a great graphic print).
9:20 AM
Lights up. Cameras rolling. I stand backstage watching the monitor with our stylist Tabitha Simmons and our entire design team.
11:30 AM
My favorite Fashion Week tradition is definitely our post-show team lunch at Indochine. Toasting another season with lychee saketinis, spicy chicken with lemongrass and black bean sea bass.
2:30 PM
…And I’m back in my office reviewing prints and fabrics swatches for the next Sport collection…
4:00 PM
Meeting with the executive team and our buyers to review the Fall/Winter 2016 collection internally. Everyone really loves our new Gemini Link bag and knee-high spat boots that convert into ankle boots (a personal favorite).
5:00 PM
Welcome cocktail for a new Japanese partner. I’m hoping to visit again this year. Last year, I was there in time to see the cherry blossoms. Just beautiful.
6:00 PM
Heading home for a quiet dinner at home with my boys and family.