Anna Delvey, the notorious “Soho grifter,” wouldn’t pass up the chance to attend New York Fashion Week.

Anna Delvey, famously recognized as the “Soho grifter,” refused to let an ankle bracelet and home detention deter her from immersing herself in New York Fashion Week. Instead, she brought the essence of fashion to her doorstep, specifically to the rooftop of her East Village apartment.

In a fashion week season that had thus far lacked some of its usual buzz, Delvey sought to inject excitement by hosting Shao, a promising young designer, in a chaotic rooftop fashion show. This impromptu event unfolded under overcast skies, with the constant fear that the police might intervene and shut it down before it could truly commence.

Describing the experience as “so much fun… too exhilarating to put into words,” the 32-year-old Russian-born Delvey, whose legal name is Anna Sorokin, seemed to relish the unconventional moment. Her place within the ever-evolving spectrum of celebrity in the fashion world may be uncertain, but Nicola Formichetti, the stylist known for working with Lady Gaga, drew parallels between Delvey and the late British fashion icon Isabella Blow. Formichetti described Delvey as “super passionate, without an overabundance of planning.”

“People are captivated by Anna. While she may not be a fashion authority or a trendsetter, I commend her for using her influence to champion and elevate a young designer,” Formichetti remarked. “Fashion should prioritize nurturing emerging talent, and it appears that this isn’t happening as much as it should in recent times.”

Delvey made headlines in 2017 for assuming the persona of a wealthy German art patron, lavishing over $275,000 on private jets and luxury accommodations. She was subsequently found guilty of attempted grand larceny. Her story was adapted into the Netflix series “Inventing Anna,” which aired while she was serving time in prison. Presently, she is under house arrest due to overstaying her visa.

The rooftop show was conceived in a matter of days by Delvey and the renowned New York publicist Kelly Cutrone. It featured a diverse ensemble of models, including Native American Quannah Chasinghorse and the 55-year-old Siberian Irina Pantaeva, who originally arrived in New York as a nanny but later embarked on a career as a Chanel model.

Chasinghorse commented on the unique experience of strutting down a rooftop runway in the rain, and despite the unpredictability of the event, the show pressed on against the backdrop of the New York skyline. The show kicked off with the iconic “Woke Up This Morning” theme from “The Sopranos” and Billy Idol’s “Hot in the City,” with models showcasing outfits that paid homage to the tailored, punk-inspired heritage of the East Village.

However, not all models managed to reach the rooftop due to the event’s unpredictable nature.

Delvey reflected on the challenges, stating, “It was quite a challenge. About 30 people showed up at my apartment. I suppose that’s the beauty of it – figuring out how to work within constraints. I’m tethered to this one spot, and we can’t just go wherever, whenever. We had to adapt.”

The designer, Shao Yang, christened the show “Danger Zone,” capturing the spirit of old New York with its spontaneity, diversity, and inclusivity, reminiscent of the culture of the ’80s.

Jules Wood, a former bridal director at Vivienne Westwood and the show’s stylist, described the designs as a fusion of Jean Paul Gaultier and “Blade Runner,” infused with the art of fine tailoring. Wood noted that the show almost didn’t come to fruition, stating, “Vivienne would have given her approval – it was a bit guerrilla with a defiant attitude.”

Nevertheless, the crowds that endeavored to reach Delvey’s rooftop demonstrated that her celebrity status remains undiminished. Jason Backe, the show’s hairstylist, acknowledged Delvey’s unique perspective on the fashion industry and its exclusivity, remarking, “She’s undoubtedly an opportunist, but in this case, she seized an opportunity to make a positive contribution.”