August is a hectic month for designers as they work on their new Spring collection, and every moment counts for sourcing materials and making changes. Ms. Rowley was in the throes of working on Spring when we taped her interview, so we were thrilled she made time for SundayArts.

In this edition of SundayArts: a preview of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, including a profile of Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Glenda Bailey, a conversation with designer Cynthia Rowley, a survey of the Garment District and the initiative “Making Midtown,” a behind-the-scenes look at the “BOFFO Building Fashion” competition, and a look at fashion in the museums around town.

Cynthia Rowley’s collections are distinct for their vibrant creativity. She’s a Fashion Week vet who knows how to keep things fresh for her fans and herself. In this profile, Christina Ha visits Cynthia Rowley’s retail space and showroom on Bleecker Street for a conversation with the downtown Fashion Week favorite.