If you’re a fashionista, it’s probably your dream to attend a New York Fashion Week show. But what if I told you that wasn’t necessary? Yes, a few big-name designers consistently get celebrities in their shows (we’re looking at you, Marc Jacobs), but most of us can gain access without being famous.
There are several ways to get into shows without having any connections or money! Here are my tips as someone who has attended NYFW shows for 7(?) years…
Follow the right social media accounts.
The first step is to follow the right social media accounts. The New York Fashion Week organizers, who are basically in charge of all that goes down during fashion week, post all kinds of information on their Instagram accounts.
You can also check for information at CFDA.com and NYFW.com. It honestly just requires some work on your end. This includes press releases about new designers who will be showing collections and when they’ll be showing them, as well as photos from shows and events throughout the week.
It also posts information on ticket sales, so you can know how much they’re going for (and if it’s worth it) before buying one online. You should keep tabs on this account if you are interested in getting into any shows or parties!
To find even more good sources for show info:
- Check out your favorite models’ Instagrams! They often post pictures from events and upcoming shows, giving us a peek behind the scenes at various designer presentations.
- Search hashtags like #NYFW or #FashionWeek on Twitter—there are tons of people tweeting about what’s happening around town at any given moment!
Be memorable.
I’ve often noticed that people want to “look” the part during NYFW. While it sounds great in theory, photographers and brands are looking for people who will stand out, especially if you’re trying to get snapped on street style. People don’t want assimilation, and now is not the right time to do that.
The key is to be yourself first and foremost. Be authentic; don’t try too hard or put on airs. Be a good listener and storyteller—and also be willing to listen out there in the real world (not just online).
You’ll find that people will respond well to this authenticity and want more of it from you! You’d be surprised at how many invites I’ve had simply from being kind to others.
The point is: do whatever it takes for others around you to like working with YOU! Networking isn’t about getting in line at an event or showing up on time—it’s about making lasting connections with others interested in what YOU’RE doing!
Start small.
Start small. New York Fashion Week is the biggest stage for designers to show their collections, but it’s also a very exclusive event that only invites a select few people on the planet.
To get into any of these events—even if you’re already going to be in New York City for other reasons—you’ll need an invite from someone who has one. The easiest way to get your foot in the door is by attending smaller shows with local designers (or even showing up at an established designer’s event).
These smaller events don’t have strict rules like larger shows do; they’re less formal and usually are open to the public. Also, it’s a LOT easier to get into, especially if you wanna talk up the PR people to help sneak you in. They allow you to experience fashion in its purest form: getting dressed up and having fun!
Go to off-site events.
With so many shows to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming to decide which ones to go to and which not to. If you’re looking for a way into the industry, one of the best ways is through off-site events. Off-site events are hosted by designers and brands that aren’t part of New York Fashion Week but still want you there.
They can include dinners or cocktail parties where everyone in attendance will be models, stylists, fashion editors, and more! These are great opportunities for networking because everyone at the party will be connected with someone who works in the fashion industry in some way (or they would not have been invited).
One of the best ways to do this is to simply tag brands and designers in your outfits (if you wear them) or reach out via email to introduce yourself and what you do. There’s never a bad time to make those connections and network!
Network, network, network.
Another way to get into New York Fashion Week shows is through networking. You need to be able to connect with people in the industry and make them want to help you.
If you have a good relationship with someone who works at a show or magazine, they might be able to pull some strings for you; this means that if someone has access but doesn’t know anyone else well enough yet, they could vouch for your presence for them to give you an opportunity.
There are many ways that networking can benefit your career as a fashion designer:
- It allows you access to various industries related specifically to fashion people (i.e., photographers, models).
- It creates more opportunities beyond just getting into shows (i.e., jobs).
You don’t have to be famous to get into shows at New York Fashion Week!
You don’t need to be famous, you just have to be able to stand out from the crowd. If you want a seat at a show, there are several ways to do so:
- Follow the designers on Instagram or Twitter to ensure they see your posts!
- Create an online portfolio of your work, like websites or videos with your work. Pitch yourself and what ROI you can offer to someone else.
- Be memorable when you meet people—next time you see someone who works for a designer or magazine, give them something cool that will stick in their heads! In other words, stand out from everyone trying to get into shows by being memorable!
Well, that’s it! I hope you found these tips useful, and I wish you luck in your pursuit of getting into shows at New York Fashion Week. Remember: Getting your name out there can take time, so don’t be discouraged if you’re not an instant success.
Also, remember that there are many ways to get involved with the industry—even if they don’t require being on stage at Bryant Park or Lincoln Center Plaza!
While you’re at it, check out my past coverage of NYFW on my podcast and here on the site!
