New York’s semi-annual Fashion Week ramps up on Thursday and runs through Feb. 14. Designers are unveiling their Fall 2018 collections all over the city — and hosting some fabulous events to boot.

Here’s what to look forward to at NYFW this season:

New designers are on the rise

Though some industry heavy-hitters, such as Tommy Hilfiger and Delpozo, are opting out of Fashion Week (or choosing to show their collections on a by-appointment basis), the new wave of talent is more exciting than ever.

Look to Eckhaus Latta for subtly cool threads and the most intriguing parade of models ever (last season, a pregnant model walked at the label’s Bushwick show), streetwear star Gypsy Sport for an over-the-top styling spectacle and Matthew Adams Dolan — who’s been worn by Rihanna on repeat — for twists on classic tailoring.

Internationally acclaimed labels Bottega Veneta (the Italian brand is celebrating its brand-new flagship on Madison Avenue) and Estaban Cortazar (famous for his colorful, mixed-media threads) are showing for the first time as well.

The runways are becoming even more inclusive

For the very first time, the official CFDA fashion calendar includes a new category: “Unisex/Non-Binary” alongside its usual “Womenswear” and “Menswear” annotations. Amid fashion’s current climate in which diversity on all fronts — race, size, gender, ability — is at the forefront, this addition is a welcome one. A handful of buzzy brands, including Liberian-American designer Telfar Clemens and Brooklyn label Vaquera, which debuted a “Handmaid’s Tale”- inspired collection over the summer, are showing in this category.

Brands are celebrating major anniversaries

The most famous “Project Runway” alum, Christian Siriano’s Saturday show marks a super stylish 10 years in the biz. The 32-year-old designer is not only adored by celebs such as Leslie Jones, J. Lo and Christina Hendricks, (who is a regular fixture at his shows), he puts on one helluva runway performance, with diverse model castings and delightful, bright clothes. Cushnie et Ochs — known for sleek wares beloved by body-con babes such as Emily Ratajkowski — is also turning 10, while industry veteran (and designer of Carolyn Bessette’s iconic wedding dress) Narciso Rodriguez is celebrating 20 years in business with a presentation.

Ava Phillippe may be this season’s It girl

Kaia Gerber was last season’s runway breakout star, following in her mom Cindy Crawford’s supermodel footsteps. But after unveiling two back-to-back fashion campaigns last week, Reese Witherspoon’s lookalike daughter is poised to make her runway debut. The range of projects — from Rodarte’s ethereal high-fashion lookbook to Witherspoon’s more price-friendly label Draper James (in which Phillippe appears alongside her Oscar-winning mother) — are proof positive that the 18-year-old has both range and fashion cred.

Fashion Week footwear has gone feminist (and comfy)

Show-hopping through blizzard-like conditions in heels? Not this season. Unlike the usual coveted sneaker drop, Nike’s reimagined takes on such classics as the Air Force 1 and Air Jordan 1 were designed for street style stars on the go. Sold in NYC shops such as Nike Soho and Kith this week, the 1 Reimagined collection’s 10 all-white silhouettes — designed solely by a team of 14 female designers at Nike — range from velvet-lined, mule-style sneaks to zippered, high-top boots.

This is Alexander Wang’s last hurrah

Fashion’s favorite party boy is officially retiring from the February calendar after this season. While details about the splashy designer’s Saturday night show are scarce, his after-parties — which have included everything from Dunkin’ Donuts snack towers, Hooters hot wings and performances by Cardi B — are legendary. The downtown designer will be leaving in style: his newsprint-inspired collaboration with Page Six (available now!) is one of his juiciest to date.

There’s a puppy fashion show

Yes, that’s right. The Year of the Dog fashion show on Thursday will star pooches and their adoptive moms (via Social Tees Animal Rescue) decked out in BaubleBar jewels — and it’s open to the public. Perks of the party include free Champagne, doggy nail art (for humans only!) and a photo booth, because everyone knows animal selfies get all the likes. Purchase tickets for $45 at CadenNyc.com

Model rights take center stage

Sara Ziff, Founding Director of the Model Alliance, says that models have raised concerns about lack of privacy in often chaotic backstage areas, where models might be required to change in front of fotogs, makeup artists and reporters. In response, the CFDA and Model Alliance are working in tandem with IMG Fashion and Pier59 Studios to establish a safe environment during NYFW: For the first time, some venues (such as Pier59) are setting up private changing areas.

This might sound like a small step for NYFW, but it’s sure to put pressure on others in the industry to take note and follow suit.