Want to know more about NYFW and what goes on behind the scenes? How do you get invited to NYFW shows? Who can go to NYFW shows? Read on! I received lots of questions when I was at NYFW and have answered most of them below.
What is NYFW?
NYFW stands for New York Fashion Week which is a week of fashion shows, presentations & events unveiling designer’s new collections to the media for the first time.
When does NYFW take place?
New York Fashion week takes place twice per year for one week both in February and in September. The shows generally start at 9am and end at 9pm. There are lots of after party’s post shows. No one goes to all the shows from 9am to 9pm, that would be a little much!
How long are shows?
Shows can vary in length from 15-30 minutes. Each show is generally slotted an hour as they usually start later than noted on the invite. You need to arrive to NYFW shows 30 minutes before generally to get checked in and seated.
Where does NYFW take place?
NYFW takes place all around NYC. There are studios and piers where the shows take place at every year and then there are designers who want to do something different so have a show in a unique place like the top floor of a high-rise Manhattan building which they transform.
Who can go to NYFW shows?
Historically, the press such as magazine editors, newspaper fashion columnists and celebrities could attend NYFW shows as most shows are invite only. In recent years, bloggers and influencers are also invited to share the new collections with their followers in real time through social media. There are also some shows that the public can now buy tickets for.
How do you get invited to NYFW? Photo by NYFW photographer Brian Lau
How do you get invited to NYFW shows?
I work with PR agencies to be added to the invite lists for the shows. I need to provide my social media accounts and statistics (e.g. how many people see my posts, follower counts etc.) in order to show that I have an audience to share the content with. I also use the app GPS Radar which is an invite only app for the fashion world. The brands list their shows and you click “apply” so you can hit apply for many shows in minutes. The app has your information linked so the brand can see your stats quickly. Generally, you must have 10,000 followers to join the GPS Radar app. I have heard of smaller influencers/bloggers being accepted to the app so there is no harm in trying if you have a smaller following. You can also email the PR department of brands to request an invite to the show.
How do you know which NYFW shows are on?
The NYFW show schedule is published on this website in advance of the shows.
When do you send requests out for the shows?
I was really busy with work in the lead up to this past fashion week, so I left it 1-2 weeks in advance of the shows to request invites. I would recommend reaching out 2-3 weeks before.
When do you know if you are invited to a show?
NYFW is last minute and the invites usually go out one week before so don’t panic if you want to go and nothing has come through in the lead up. Some of the bigger shows will send out invites a couple of days before.
What is the difference between a NYFW show and a presentation?
A show is a display of the new collection on a runway with models walking down the runway one at a time. The runway show lasts 15-30 minutes. A presentation is a staged setting where the models all wear the new collection and photographers and media take photos within the setting. This is generally over a 2-hour period. With presentations, usually more people can see the new collection as it is over a longer period.
Are there lots of photographers at NYFW?
There are photographers at the end of each runway taking photos of all the new collections. There are also lots of photographers outside the shows who take photos of street style. It is a paparazzi moment when lots of photographers are snapping away!
What is the best part about NYFW?
I have always dreamed about going to NYFW growing up. I really thought it was a far-flung dream when I was living in the West Coast of Ireland. Back then social media didn’t even exist so the only way of getting in was being part of the press. I always feel so lucky to be living a dream attending the shows. Fashion makes me so happy, so I love looking at the new collections and the excitement at the shows.
What is the worst part about NYFW?
It is quite tiring going from show to show and presentations and events so I have learnt not to over pack my days and really only go to the shows, events and presentations that I really want to go to. This makes the experience more enjoyable for me.
Which is the best NYFW to go to?
I have been to both the February shows and the September shows. Due to the weather, the February shows are quieter than the September shows. It is easier to get invites for the February shows as a result. Hotels are so much cheaper in February also.
Is NYFW expensive?
The main costs for NYFW are your hotel, eating out and transportation from show to show. Once invited to the shows, there is complimentary entry, so you don’t pay for any show or presentation. February is less expensive because of the cost of hotels.
Do bloggers & influencers receive free accommodation from hotels at NYFW?
Some bloggers and influencers receive their accommodation complementary during NYFW in return for social media posts or brands will pay for the stay if they really want you to attend their show. Brands also will provide outfits to bloggers to wear to the show so they can be photographed before the show.
Would you recommend NYFW?
Absolutely! I had an amazing experience any time I went and really enjoyed it. I would recommend quality over quantity, choosing your shows carefully and having a relaxed time rather than running around too much. Even if you are not a blogger/influencer, there is lots going on in the city at this time.
This year, I had the pleasure to attend the Rebecca Minkoff presentation, see my review HERE. This was my favorite as I love her collections. Another magical time, I modeled at NYFW, see my recap HERE.
NYFW photos by Brian Lau (www.brainlau.co)
