Updated June 7, 2025
Want to know how to get invited to NYFW (New York Fashion Week)?
Whether you’re an upcoming designer, blogger, influencer, or simply love fashion, our helpful guide provides some easy ways to attend one of fashion’s most iconic events.
When NYFW or other highly coveted fashion events come around, fashion enthusiasts do their best to score an invitation. If you are interested in a career fashion, you know an invitation is like a holy grail. But what can you do in the way of New York Fashion Week outreach or get the attention of fashion brands?
What is NYFW
New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is a semiannual event. It’s where top designers, fashion houses, and emerging talent showcase their upcoming collections. Held in February and September, NYFW sets the tone for the fashion industry.
Organized in part by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), NYFW includes a mix of runway shows, pop-up events, parties, and panels.
For designers, it’s a platform to build buzz and establish trends. For attendees, it’s a mix of fashion, networking, and visibility. The mere mention of Fashion Week evokes an irresistible allure, shrouded in exclusivity and glamour. As you already know, it is the epitome of the fashion calendar. Navigating the path to securing a coveted invitation to your favorite designer(s) at Fashion Week isn’t easy, but don’t lose hope.
Make your fashion dream a reality.
NYFW – The Basics
Each year, the specific dates of New York Fashion Week can vary slightly, as they are determined by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
- February presents Fall/Winter collections
- September showcases Spring/Summer collections
These shows set the tone for trends and styles that will influence the industry in the coming seasons. If you know, you know. (And if you don’t, revisit that iconic Meryl Streep moment in The Devil Wears Prada.)
NYFW is a culmination of runway shows, presentations, and various glamorous events. The select audience is full of fashion editors, buyers, celebrities, and influencers. Each show attracts attention for its high-profile attendees and influence on global fashion trends.
Who Is Invited to Fashion Week
When Fashion Week rolls around, we are inundated with images of our favorite celebrities with the coveted seat assignment. The front-row seats are often reserved for editors, celebrities, buyers, stylists, and industry insiders. Industry guest lists are sent invitations from designers or their PR teams.
Not everyone who attends New York Fashion Week gets there with a golden ticket. Many attendees have to work for their seat. Not all hope is lost, but here are a few people that may need to put some effort in for their invitation:
- Rising influencers
- New-to-the-scene stylists
- Fashion students
- Tailoring and garment care (like Hallak Cleaners)
To gain an invitation, it is important to take the proper steps and build relationships. Stylists and influencers should develop a stronger online presence and be part of ‘the conversation’.
Journalists, bloggers, and photographers can apply for press passes through NYFW’s official site or directly with show producers.