Twice a year there is so much buzz on social media around NY Fashion week. I see some of my favourite Fashion bloggers post about the prepping they do in anticipation for the shows. I really like to follow along through their stories. I also enjoy seeing all the street style photography (sometimes more than the shows). I have always found NY Fashion week to be intriguing and alluring. I wondered how it all started? That led me to do some research and in this post I will share with you the history of Fashion Week, how the fashion shows are today and how you can attend!!! But first check out this year’s fashion show schedule by clicking here and download the NYFW: All Access app on IOS to live stream on your phone!
Brief Fashion History
It started WAY BACK in 1850 in Paris, France with an English designer named Charles Frederick Worth. He wanted a different way to showcase his designs, up until that point clients would see clothing only in drawings. Worth thought of the idea of showcasing his designs to his elite clients, on real women (models). This often involved a “fashion parade” where models formed a line to showcase the garments. Worth is a house hold name and today still make fine clothing and perfume.
The first fashion show took place in 1903, in a speciality store called Ehrich Brothers. This was done in an effort to lure middle class women into their store. By 1920 all the major departments and retailers were doing the same. These Fashion parades were staged and usually happened around teatime or lunch time. Some were even held in the stores own restaurant. The shows were more theatrical than those today and accompanied by a narrative commentary.
In 1943, Paris was seen as the world’s go to the place for the latest in fashion. But during World War II, Americans were not allowed to fly to Paris, so the buyers, editors and writers could not bring back Parisian couture, how would fashion survive? That’s when a very savvy and PR maven Elenor Lambert, came up with the idea to cluster the fashions shows. She called it “Fashion Press Week”. The shows were then organized and held in Bryant Park, also known as “The tents”. ( They were also held in Lincoln Center) , currently they are held in different venues throughout Soho.
Fashion Shows Today
Fashion Week happens twice a year in New York, London,Milan and Paris also known as “The big 4”. Other Fashion shows of course happen throughout the year and in different countries. However, when people refer to Fashion Week they mean one of “The big 4”.
Traditionally the shows take place several months before the season is meant to be sold for. For example, designer show their Autumn/Winter collection in February and their Spring/Summer collection in September. This is done in order to give retailers enough time to buy and incorporate the items into their retail marketing.
However, with so many people purchasing clothes at such a rapid rate, fast fashion was born! Fast fashion means, it’s a 21 day turn around period from when the designs are modeled down the runway to when they are available to purchase in stores. Stores that come to mind are Zara, H&M and Asos just to name a few. Most recently, designers such as Tom Ford, Nicole Miller and TOMMY are making their designs available for purchase immediately, no longer a 6 month wait!
How to attend the Fashion Shows
Fashion shows that are only for people in the industry ,unless you are a celebrity, editor or buyer it’s unlikely to attend the big designer shows. They’re some shows that are open to the public and you can still attend by clicking here. Some designers live stream their shows, watch out for them by clicking here.
A great way to get in the shows is by e-mailing the Publicist or the PR team of the brand or designer who’s show you would like to attend. You can offer to volunteer during the show. Google will definitely be handy here to find those e-mails but here are a few PR Firms to get you on the right track MODE PR, AMCONYC, IMG and ABOVE TIME.
Keep in mind, volunteering does not mean you can sit and watch the show especially if you are working backstage. Another way to be at the show is to intern for the companies that produce the shows, especially if you are studying fashion.
One day, I will attend Fashion week but until then I will be live streaming some shows while sitting on my couch in my pjs and a glass of wine!