Chilean Jeweler Nicole Brunser Showcases Jewelry at New York Fashion Week 2026

Original article: Joyera Nicole Brunser lleva la orfebrería chilena a New York Fashion Week 2026

Chilean jeweler Nicole Brunser (@nicobrunser_orfebre), celebrated for her over two-decade career in crafting unique jewelry, has been selected to participate in New York Fashion Week 2026, one of the most prestigious events in the global fashion calendar.

Her participation in the February edition marks a significant milestone for accessory design in Chile, providing a valuable opportunity to showcase the excellence of national handcrafted work in one of the industry’s most demanding arenas.

Nicole shares that her journey began with an unexpected recommendation from an international curator, who, impressed by her aesthetic proposal, encouraged her to apply through Flying Solo, a platform dedicated to emerging designers at NYFW.

«I submitted my application on March 8, uploaded my collection, and weeks later, they asked for more photos, sketches, and my designer story,» Brunser recounts.

She was officially accepted on March 23, choosing to present her work in February to align with the spring-summer 2026 season in the Northern Hemisphere.

The event, taking place from February 11 to 16, will feature 60 designers (40 in apparel and 20 in accessories). Nicole will showcase her creations across eight runway shows, with models selected by the curatorial team, who will also facilitate a matching between clothing and accessory designers to create aesthetic synergies.

In addition to the runway presentations, Brunser will participate in press interviews, networking events, and an official after-party, all crucial spaces for positioning her brand in the international circuit.

«The collections I will present include my classic heart collection, which has evolved over my 20 years of career; the constellation collection, made from silver and bronze threads with bubble accents; the Sur-Zido collection that incorporates volcanic stones from Lake Ranco, silk thread, and silver; and the Venus collection, launched at the end of 2025 as an allegory of femininity in classical art,» explains the Chilean jeweler.

For both the runway day and NYFW events, Brunser will wear an outfit that represents Chilean national design. «I will have the honor of wearing pieces from two wonderful brands that I share with at El Vestidor Santiago: Puntada Austral by talented Mónica Navarro; and Leonora Musri, with her eponymous brand, with whom we co-created a blouse with pins that will be the lucky charm of the runway show,» she added.

A Handcrafted Story

Nicole Brunser embarked on her jewelry-making journey over 20 years ago, driven by her background in graphic design and a deep passion for art, aesthetics, and craftsmanship.

From her workshop in Santiago, she began crafting unique pieces that blend noble metals like silver and bronze with resin, paint, stones, and organic shapes inspired by nature and magical realism. Each piece of jewelry tells a story: both aesthetic and emotional, crafted with meticulous artisan skills.

«Being a designer in Chile isn’t easy. Those who stand out can face criticism, and the alternative style is often associated with poor taste. But many of us have years of learning and craftsmanship, and we deeply value handmade creations. For me, every person wearing one of my pieces in public is a reason for joy,» remarks Brunser, who is also an active member of Moda Chile, a trade association of independent designers in the country.

Nicole Brunser’s presence at New York Fashion Week not only highlights her career but also paves the way for other national designers. The selection process, far from being an exclusive endeavor, is based on the quality and authenticity of the work presented. Her experience demonstrates that with a strong proposal, professionalism, and perseverance, it is possible to access global spaces without sacrificing local identity.

About New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) for the autumn-winter 2026 season is scheduled from Wednesday, February 11 to Monday, February 16, 2026. These days will showcase runway shows, presentations, installations, and satellite events across various locations in Manhattan and other parts of the city, continuing to serve as the premier global stage for commercial and creative fashion.

The format will follow the structure that NYFW has established in recent years: opening with presentations and emerging brands, advancing to peak show days when most influential houses present complete collections on the runway, and concluding with special events and showcases of established talents.

While official schedules will close in January 2026, anticipated names include a robust mix of established brands and new talents such as Altuzarra, Christian Siriano, Tory Burch, and Calvin Klein, among others that have been on the radar throughout 2025. Many of these firms will use these dates to present strong aesthetic narratives defining the autumn-winter 2026-27 season.

For emerging designers, platforms like Runway 7 will also organize their own shows within the week (for instance, from February 12 to 15), reflecting the diverse formats participating during these days in New York.

The Citizen