The world’s most stylish ocean crossing is setting sail once again. This October, Cunard’s legendary Queen Mary 2 will transform into a floating fashion capital as Transatlantic Fashion Week returns for its most star-studded voyage yet, departing from New York on October 31 for a seven-day journey to Southampton, England.
Since launching in 2016, this annual fashion pilgrimage has become one of the industry’s most coveted invitations – a chance to experience haute couture against the backdrop of endless ocean horizons. This year’s lineup reads like a who’s who of fashion royalty, headlined by designer Christian Siriano, costume design legend Bob Mackie, and supermodel Coco Rocha.
Where runway meets waterline
Picture this: Christian Siriano’s signature theatrical flair unfolding in the Queen Mary 2’s opulent Queens Room, where crystal chandeliers cast their glow over models strutting down a runway suspended above the Atlantic. The designer, whose creations have adorned everyone from Oprah to Lady Gaga, will present highlights from his celebrated 16-year archive in his first-ever show at sea. The pièce de résistance? A bespoke nautical-themed gown designed exclusively for Cunard, drawing inspiration from the endless expanse of sea surrounding the ship.
Bob Mackie brings his own brand of theatrical glamour to the voyage, displaying hand-picked pieces from his personal archive – the very gowns that have adorned Cher, Diana Ross, and Madonna. Guests will witness fashion history firsthand, with some of Mackie’s original sketches going under the hammer at an exclusive onboard auction. The designer’s new documentary “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion” will premiere aboard the ship, followed by an intimate Q&A that promises to reveal the stories behind fashion’s most iconic looks.
Master class at sea
Supermodel Coco Rocha transforms the voyage into an floating fashion academy, bringing her renowned Model Camp to the high seas for the first time. The “Queen of Pose” will share the posing techniques that have made her one of fashion’s most dynamic figures across two decades of gracing magazine covers and walking for fashion houses from Chanel to Jean Paul Gaultier.
Fashion journalist and bestselling author Dana Thomas rounds out the expert panel, offering insider perspectives on the industry’s evolution, while brand ambassador James Aguiar curates experiences that blur the lines between fashion show and lifestyle immersion.
The ultimate fashion voyage
There’s something uniquely romantic about experiencing fashion’s greatest artistry while crossing the Atlantic aboard the world’s last true ocean liner. The Queen Mary 2, with her Art Deco glamour and white-glove service, provides a setting that commercial fashion weeks simply cannot replicate. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the exclusive Grills class offers an experience that mirrors the haute couture world itself – bespoke, refined, and utterly exclusive.
Grills guests enjoy access to their own private sun deck and exclusive dining venues, creating intimate spaces perfect for your own intimate fashion week gatherings. Here, between the structured programming of runway shows and intimate designer conversations, guests can steal moments on their private deck watching the sun set over endless waters, cocktail in hand, couture gown catching the ocean breeze.
This isn’t just a cruise with fashion programming tacked on – it’s a complete immersion into the world of high fashion, where the journey becomes as memorable as the destination. From the moment guests step aboard in New York to their arrival in Southampton’s historic port, every detail reflects Cunard’s 185-year commitment to elevating travel into an art form.
The Transatlantic Fashion Week voyage represents something increasingly rare in our fast-paced world: the luxury of time. Time to absorb fashion’s artistry without the crowds and chaos of traditional fashion weeks. Time to engage with legendary designers in intimate settings – perhaps over afternoon tea in the Queens Grill, where Grills guests enjoy the most exclusive dining experience at sea. Time to appreciate the craft and creativity that transforms fabric into dreams, all while being attended to by your personal concierge who ensures every detail of your voyage rivals the precision of a perfectly tailored gown.
For fashion enthusiasts seeking an experience that transcends the ordinary, Cunard’s Transatlantic Fashion Week offers something truly extraordinary – where the romance of ocean travel meets the artistry of haute couture, creating memories as timeless as the fashions themselves.
Feature image: Christian Siriano (Photo: Shane LaVancher).
About the Author: Jason Kerr
