How to Attend New York City Fashion Week

Last Updated: March 13, 2021 References

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) happens twice per year, once in February and once in September. The week itself has a long and storied history, which has led to it being created by a number of producers. At these events, designers showcase their work for the upcoming seasons, giving fashion insiders a sneak peek before the designs are available for purchase. There are a few different options for attending NYFW, including attending an open-to-the-public show, securing a ticket for a private show, and volunteering.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Attending a Public Show

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Explore your options. First, you will need to do some research, as several entities produce shows during NYFW.
- Since 2012, Fashion Week Online has maintained a complete list of NYFW shows from multiple producers, as well as open-to-the-public opportunities.
- IMG produces "NYFW: The Shows," one of the most high-profile series of shows during NYFW. (But it is only one series of shows.) Once you have identified a show that interests you, you can write “Hello, my name is Sarah, and I run a popular fashion blog called Stilettos and Glitter. I’m interested in attending your NYFW show on February 10th because I’d like to showcase the event on my blog. Would I be able to secure 1 ticket to the show? Thank you so much for your consideration!”
2
Download the free Fashion GPS and Eventbrite apps. Once you’ve sent your emails, download these apps to be able to easily RSVP to any shows that you may receive an invitation to attend. Most shows will use 1 of these 2 apps, which include the date, time, and location of the event, and they will also produce an e-ticket for your phone that you can scan at the door.^{[1]
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- You might have to send a lot of emails before you get a response. Only RSVP ‘yes’ to shows that you know that you can attend.
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3
Search for emerging designers as shows are being announced. Many emerging designers will hold shows that are open to the public as long as you RSVP that you are going. These events will be posted 2-3 months before fashion week begins. Scour designers' websites and social media to keep an eye out for events that don’t require a ticket at all.^{[2]
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- Sometimes these events will be sponsored by brands outside of fashion, such as car brands. Keep an eye on their social media, too!
4
Attend events that don’t require a ticket. Some non-show events don’t require a ticket to get in. These include launch parties, pop-ups, and immersive experiences such as makeovers and clothing swaps. If you don’t have a show to go to, you can still spend some time rubbing elbows with fashionistas!^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Securing a Ticket for a Private Show

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Send an email to request a ticket 3 months in advance. Most private shows have a very limited number of tickets to give away, and recipients are often selected by PR companies. Send your short and sweet interest email about 3 months in advance.^{[4]
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- If you don’t haven’t heard back 1 month before the show, send a follow-up email to check on any open spaces that may be available.
- If you run a blog, write for a fashion magazine, or have other connections to the industry, it may be helpful to offer some sort of press coverage in return for a spot at the show.
2
RSVP in a timely fashion. If you get an invite, make sure that you RSVP as soon as possible to confirm your spot. Invites will normally arrive via email with a link to RSVP, so keep an eye on your inbox during the month before fashion week. Only RSVP ‘yes’ if you are sure that you will be able to make it to the show.^{[5]
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- Be careful that you don’t double book yourself! It might be helpful to keep a list of events for each day so that you know when you are free to attend a show and what you have booked already for the day.
3
Enter NYFW giveaways sponsored by large companies. Many large corporate brands such as Macy’s host giveaways to attend NYFW. A few months before fashion week, search around for any giveaways or competitions you can find.^{[6]
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- A quick search of NYFW giveaways will yield tons of results. If it is sponsored by a major brand, it’s safe to enter. Most brands will require your name, date of birth, and an email address to be entered.
- Some companies do Instagram and Facebook giveaways, where you can enter using your accounts on each social media website. Sometimes you’ll be required to tag friends or repost a picture, but it’s fun and easy to participate.
4
Showcase your personal style each day during fashion week. Dress the part of a fashion week attendee by showcasing your personal style. It isn’t required that you wear clothing by the designer, but it is smart to keep outfits simple, comfortable, and trendy. You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you come prepared with comfortable shoes!^{[7]
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- For example, during February, it’s best to prepare for the weather. You can still look great in a stylish, solid-colored coat, black cigarette pants, a floral printed top, and ballet flats.
- For September, your options are more open. A colorful boho dress with embroidery and tassels paired with gladiator sandals is a simple and comfortable outfit that won’t be constricting. Unless you’re a professional at walking in them, heels aren’t usually a good idea.

Method 3

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Getting a Volunteer Position

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Write a short inquiry email aimed at producers and design houses. Keep the email as non-specific to a brand or designer as possible so that you can send out multiple emails at a time. Introduce yourself to the reader and express your interest in volunteering for the show.^{[8]
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- If you have any industry contacts, ask them if you can use them as a referral in your email to their company.
- It’s safe to skip the story about how much you admire the brand and get straight to the point, as most producers and designers will get tons of emails.
2
Contact fashion week producers to apply for a volunteer position. Sometimes, these positions will be open for application 2-3 months in advance on the producer’s website. If they do not have an application page for volunteers, contact them using the email provided on their website and express your interest in volunteering.^{[9]
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- Some popular producers include IMG, Style360, AMCONYC, and FTL Moda.^{[10]
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Reach out to design houses to submit your name for volunteering. Search for design houses holding shows during fashion week, and send them an inquiry email. Keep it short and express your interest in volunteering for them.^{[11]
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- The New York Fashion Week website will have a list the name and contact information of all affiliate shows for the week. Although this isn’t a complete list as there are many unannounced shows by smaller brands, it’s a great place to start searching.
4
Be on time and prepare yourself for long hours. Most volunteers at NYFW are expected to arrive at 6:00 am and won’t leave until 11:00 pm at the earliest. If you’re volunteering for an organization with a few shows, expect to spend all week on that schedule.^{[12]
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Follow the coordinator’s dress code. Most designers and producers will have a strict dress code for volunteers to follow. Many require that all volunteers wear dress pants and solid colors, normally black. Make sure you know the dress code and follow it exactly because the organizers will turn you away if you don’t!^{[13]
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Wear your most stylish and comfortable shoes. Make sure you wear very comfortable shoes, such as flats or stylish sneakers, when volunteering because you’ll likely be on your feet all day and running from place to place. Once you know the dress code, start looking for comfortable shoes that fit the requirements as soon as possible.^{[14]
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- Gel inserts can also help keep you comfortable all day!
7
Follow the coordinator’s rules. Most volunteers aren’t allowed to use their phones or take pictures. If the organization that you volunteer for has these rules in place, follow them. If you don’t, you risk getting sent home and ruining any further opportunities with that designer or producer.^{[15]
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- At some point, you might have an emergency where you need to use your phone. Talk to the person who is assigned as your supervisor for the week and let them know what’s going on. For an emergency, they’ll normally make an exception just once.
8
Do your job with a smile. Make sure you know what to expect going into the process. You’ll likely be organizing models or clothes, stuffing gift bags, setting up chairs, or ushering guests to their seats. Don’t be disappointed if you’re assigned to a seemingly “pointless” job. They’re all important for making the day a success!^{[16]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do you get invited to Fashion Week?

Melynda Choothesa
Professional Stylist & Fashion Designer
Melynda Choothesa is a Costume Designer, Wardrobe Stylist, and Art Director with over 10 years of fashion consulting experience. She has worked on creative direction for fashion shows, costume design, and personal wardrobe styling, both in Los Angeles, California and internationally for clients such as Akon, Kathy Ireland, and Aisha Tyler. She has an Associate of Arts in Fashion Design from Santa Monica College.

Melynda Choothesa

Professional Stylist & Fashion Designer

Expert Answer

Designers are typically very selective about who they invite. Most of New York Fashion Week isn't open to the public. They'll ask for your credentials months in advance, then they'll look at your social media, your website, and what you do. If you can get onto the master list, they decide whether or not you're even allowed to have access to the list of publicists of specific shows, and you contact the shows you want to attend to try to get invited. If a brand thinks you would be a good fit to represent them, then you might be invited to a show. It's the same way for the parties.
Question

Will volunteering at Fashion Week help me get a job in fashion?

Melynda Choothesa
Professional Stylist & Fashion Designer
Melynda Choothesa is a Costume Designer, Wardrobe Stylist, and Art Director with over 10 years of fashion consulting experience. She has worked on creative direction for fashion shows, costume design, and personal wardrobe styling, both in Los Angeles, California and internationally for clients such as Akon, Kathy Ireland, and Aisha Tyler. She has an Associate of Arts in Fashion Design from Santa Monica College.

Melynda Choothesa

Professional Stylist & Fashion Designer

Expert Answer

Don't expect volunteering to be your breakthrough moment. If you're trying to break into the fashion industry, New York Fashion Week isn't the place to promote your career. That's really frowned upon. It's important to just go there and do your job. You're better off trying to break in by interning for someone who's already established.