Swedish model, influencer and swimwear designer Ida Zeile invites us to join her for 48 hours in New York as she walks shows and attends parties amidst the fashion elite
For Swedish model and entrepreneur Ida Zeile, walking a runway at New York Fashion Week was once a childhood dream. This season, that dream came to life, as Zeile stepped onto the runway for not one but two coveted brands presenting their spring/summer '26 collections – not to mention sitting front row for a third.
For the rising star, the experience marks more than just another booking; it signals her arrival on one of fashion's most influential stages. From early-morning call times to late-night rehearsals, Zeile's NYFW schedule was a whirlwind, yet she navigated it all with her signature confidence.
Here, Vogue Scandinavia shadows Zeile through this career-defining moment – following along her behind the scenes as she took on the city that never sleeps. Scroll on to discover all of the Swedish model's candid moments, both on and off the runway.
Day 1: Arriving in NYC
"I arrived in my dream city with butterflies in my stomach. NYFW is finally here, and I’m walking two shows, little Ida would never believe me. I ran off the plane, checked into my hotel, and went straight to the show fittings."
Day 1: Rest and relaxation
"After flying for what seemed like an eternity, skipping along to a fitting and jumping straight into work tends to take a toll on my body and mind. Therefore, I have a set of curated, tried-and-tested, self-care routines that are nigh-on holy to me and make me feel and look my best before a big day."
"I treated myself with a smoothie & green juice, did some red light therapy, put on a hydrating mask & skincare. Skincare-wise, I believe less is more. Here I’m using the Estée Lauder Night Repair Serum and La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5. Then, the most important step of it all – sleep!"
Day 2: Walking for J.Press
"Show day! Surprised I even managed to get some sleep, because confession: I suffer from acute stage fright; but I woke up full of energy and jumped in a cab to the Explorers Club, a 121-year-old members' club that’s located in the most beautiful Jacobean revival mansion."
"As if that weren’t cool enough, I was walking for a brand that I adore – J.Press. As GQ magazine wrote, “the preppiest show at New York Fashion Week” – and if you know me, you know I’m a sucker for anything preppy. Jack Carlson, creative director and president of J.Press, is a creative genius, and I love being a part of anything he does."
Day 2: Walking for Sherri Hill
"Show number two, the Sherri Hill show. This brand is like family, I’ve worked with them for years, all over the world, and it’s my third time walking this show – yes, it’s as dreamy and exciting as it looks."
"The most beautiful people inside out, bombshell makeup and the most flattering gowns – impeccable combination if you ask me."
Day 2: Watching Love Shack Fancy
"A whirlwind of a day to say the least, but the night didn’t end there. High on adrenaline, endorphins (and probably a decent amount of stage-fright induced cortisol), I felt proud of myself for taking the bull by the horns (and not falling in the process)... it was time for another stop, the Love Shack Fancy show."
"I’m always excited to enter the whimsical Love Shack Fancy world, and this show didn’t disappoint. Set on a gorgeous rooftop that gave way to a sensation that “anything is possible”, country music rumbled through the speakers and models danced on stages in every corner of the venue. Rebecca Cohen is the life of the party, and it’s amazing to see how she manages to create the same feeling with her brand. Inspired by that spirit, we danced the night away and celebrated the NYFW of my life."
