Strap on your highest stilettos and pop the Champagne, because this New York Fashion Week — which starts today and goes until Sept. 14 — promises to be sexier, and sassier, than ever.

Bad gal Riri is back with more lingerie

After last year’s boundary-pushing Savage X Fenty show — in which a 9-months-pregnant Slick Woods conquered the catwalk — Rihanna is returning to NYFW. The songbird-slash-designer is coming for Victoria’s Secret’s crown: Starting Sept. 20, you can stream Ri’s show on Amazon Prime Video, while Victoria’s Secret has announced it will no longer televise its once-beloved annual runway show. Meanwhile, fashion fans are clamoring for a seat at Rihanna’s panty party, and the dress code commands that “Savage X Fenty is the vibe.” Bring it!

When it comes to venues, expect the unexpected

This year, the settings for the big shows are more far-flung — and over-the-top — than ever. Carolina Herrera will be the first-ever brand to show at the Gardens of the Battery, which boast stunning views of the Statue of Liberty. Tory Burch has claimed a spot at the Brooklyn Museum, while The Blonds — according to their invite — are debuting a “theatrical collaboration with Moulin Rouge! The Musical” at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. Not to be outdone, Tommy Hilfiger returns from his global tour of Milan, Paris and Shanghai with a show at the iconic Apollo Theatre, where he will unveil his TommyXZendaya collaboration. Rounding out the list of unusual spots is Ralph Lauren’s 48 Wall St. location, which will become a one-night-only pop-up nightclub dubbed “Ralph’s Club,” where “black-and-white evening attire” is required.

‘It’ brands are buzzier than ever

Pyer Moss’ Kerby Jean-Raymond was the undisputed breakout star of September 2018 with his intimate Brownsville showing. The young designer — who on Wednesday nabbed a coveted spot on the CFDA Board — dared to opt out of last February’s shows, but is poised to make waves with his highly anticipated return at the Kings Theatre on Sunday night. Other brands to watch: Bushwick-based designer Christopher John Rogers, whose fantastical, colorful threads attract the likes of Michelle Obama and Tracee Ellis Ross, and Catherine Holstein’s Khaite (pronounced “Kate”). The brand got a timely bump last week when Katie Holmes stepped out in its sexy cashmere bra and cardigan set, and the off-duty look quickly went viral.

The king of the afterparty is returning

Emphasis on “party.” While there’s never a shortage of late-night shindigs during NYFW, no one knows how to shake it quite like Alexander Wang. The edgy designer’s infamous events have involved stripper poles, McDonald’s catering, custom 7-Eleven shops, deep-Brooklyn BBQ’s and surprise performances by megastars like Missy Elliott. When Wang announced in 2018 that he would stop mounting shows in favor of smaller, carefully timed presentations, fashion fans mourned his departure as the death of NYFW. So his fresh arrival on the scene — as the host of a Saturday night uptown bash alongside his recent handbag collaborator, Bulgari — is sure to attract the coolest crowds. What’s more, the #wanggang promises “special performance(s),” likely to yield plenty of Sunday morning Wang-overs. Worth it!

The shopping might upstage the shows

NYFW is a whirlwind, but it’s never been more tempting to slow down and browse the array of new stores coming into town. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Shopbop’s first-ever pop-up at 106 Spring St. will feature a capsule collection called The Twenty, with exclusive items from buzzy brands like Isabel Marant, Sandy Liang and MSGM (it’s open Sept. 6 through Sept. 22). Accessory designer Gelareh Mizrahi — whose teeny-tiny handbags have graced the arms of Kylie Jenner and Stormi Webster — is transforming Iconic Magazines, at 238 Lafayette St., into an interactive art installation with limited-edition T-shirts for sale until Sept. 11. And for a luxurious experience, check out Saks’ newly opened fine jewelry department, cheekily dubbed The Vault. It’s a 10,673-square-foot space dedicated to baubles from brands like Chanel, Chopard and Piaget.