On the totes, Anthony wanted to illustrate the hustle and bustle that makes New York special, and Johnson paid homage to the city’s sense of community. Each represents an aspect of NYC and the individual vision of these incredible designers, all with the Teen Vogue logo.

Nansi wears a dress by Area, a Teen Vogue Fest merch tote by Kent Anthony, and bracelets by Laura Lombardi.

Of course, in showcasing NYC merch, a fashion editorial shoot that’s all about NYC was exactly the backdrop we wanted—even if it was (and we don’t think this is an exaggeration) the hottest day ever.

“We shot in Kam Hing, a family-owned bakery and coffee shop that opened in 1984—real ones will know the items to get are the matcha sponge cake and an iced Horlicks—and Fa Sun, a new cafe on Allen Street with a cozy, antique-inspired vibe,” says Mi-Anne Chan, our creative editorial director. “I beg you to try their red-bean latte.”

Chan adds, “Our models, May Li, Nansi, and Nyle were such troopers on this swelteringly hot day, as were our team of creatives: Caroline, Shisun, Liz, Angel, Sam, and Gabrielle. It was so perfect that, if you ask me, the cherry blossoms started blooming just for us.”

Nansi wears Teen Vogue Fest merch top by Shriya Myneni, shorts by 6397, and earrings by Laura Lombardi.