Beyond the Runway: Model Pickleball Brings Fashion to the Court During NYFW - Fusion Fashion Events
Models, designers, creators and racquet-sport culture will collide in Manhattan on September 13 as Model Pickleball brings a different kind of fashion experience to New York Fashion Week.
Fashion Week may be built around the runway, but this September, some of its models will be trading heels for sneakers.
Model Pickleball will stage its Fall 2026 New York City edition at Hell’s Kitchen Pickleball Club, bringing five hours of tournament play, fashion, wellness and entertainment to Manhattan. Produced in partnership with Fusion Fashion Events, the event will temporarily open the members-only venue to the Model Pickleball community.
At the center of the afternoon will be Model Pickleball’s signature agency matchups, placing teams representing modeling and influencer agencies against one another on the court. Guests will also have opportunities to participate through open play and a Money Ball doubles competition.
But the sport is only part of the story.
When Pickleball Meets Fashion
Following the competition, the venue will shift its attention toward fashion, with presentations exploring athleisure, streetwear, sustainability and contemporary design.
Lululemon will participate through its Hell’s Kitchen boutique, while Funari NYC will showcase its approach to New York athleisure. Tony Visions will present a special collection from the street-luxury brand, OML will introduce sustainable footwear, and Blinded Wear will bring statement sunglasses and accessories into the mix.
The event will also feature wellness and sponsor activations, VIP hospitality and a US Open watch party, connecting the afternoon to New York’s wider racquet-sport culture.
Euroky Vitality Drink joins as a key sponsor, with Florida Tennis serving as an official event partner. Media personality and DJ Mad Linx will host the afternoon.
A Different Kind of Fashion Week Experience
For David Woods of Fusion Fashion Events and Model Pickleball, the crossover reflects how rapidly the sport is developing an identity beyond the court.
“New York Fashion Week is the perfect stage to show that pickleball has become a culture and a major platform for fashion, wellness and entertainment,” Woods said.
The concept arrives as the relationship between sports and fashion continues to evolve from tennis-inspired dressing and performance wear to the growing influence of athletic culture on luxury and streetwear.
Model Pickleball Fall 2026 will take place September 13 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hell’s Kitchen Pickleball Club, 660 12th Avenue in New York City.
There will still be models, designers, photographers, creators and clothes. This time, however, the runway comes with a court.