Most people have heard of New York Fashion Week and can probably tell you that it's one of the biggest showcases for models and designers around the world. The first things that might pop into someone's head when you say NYFW is runway, glam, social media, and Kendall Jenner. And while all of that is true, it's not even close to describing what this significant occasion is really about. NYFW is more than just your average fashion show, it's a schedule that consists of eight days of non-stop exhibitions that show off next season's best designs, draped over the worlds top models. The NYFW that is taking place right now is the 2016 Fall/ Winter show, which will allow elite designers to reveal their latest work. For all the fashion-obsessed individuals out there, NYFW is the first look at this years biggest styles, which is just a small part of what makes it so amazing.
For all of you who may not already know all of the details of NYFW, here's everything you need to know:
1. Where is it?
OK, this is a trick question. But there are more fashion weeks than just the one in New York. There is also a Paris, London, and Milan Fashion Week.
2. When and how did NYFW begin?
NYFW began in 1943, when Eleanor Lambert decided to organize the numerous fashion shows going on at the time into a strict time frame. At the time the shows were called either "Fashion Press Week" or just "press week." This was all meant to make American fashion more popular, and shift the attention away from France during World War ll. Since the history of the Fashion Week's can get confusing, I included an infographic from New York Fashion Week's Live website.
3. How many are there each year?
There are two NYFW's every year, a Spring fashion week in September, and a Fall/Winter fashion week in February.
4. How many designers are showcased?
There are 93 designers in this year's NYFW.
5. What's the venue?
The three spots that the NYFW shows will be held at this year are:
Skylight at Moynihan Station
360 West 33rd Street, New York, NY
MADE at Milk Studios
450 West 15th Street, New York, NY
Skylight Clarkson Sq
558 Washington Street, New York, NY
6. How can I watch a show?
It is pretty much impossible for the average person to get into a NYFW show without some sort of major connection, however, it's now possible to watch the show through live streaming on the Fashion Week Live website. So, even if you can't actually be at the event, you can still see all the shows.
7. How many people attend NYFW?
Over 230,000 people attend shows during the two NYFW dates.
8. What are the economics behind NYFW?
The September and February NYFW shows together bring in about $900 million in revenue to New York City, which is more than the Super Bowl. This number includes the $547 million that comes directly from director spending.
9. Who runs NYFW?
IMG and CDFA both run NYFW. CDFA, which stands for the Council of Fashion Designers of America, is the association that oversees the NYFW process in its entirety.While, IMG produces the show.
10. What is street style and why is it so important during NYFW?
Street style is the incredible style that you see off the runway. It is taken to the extreme during NYFW because the cities streets are flooded with models, designers, fashion bloggers, and any other fashion expert who is going to and from shows. It's intriguing to see what the individuals who aren't on the runway are wearing, because it gives you real life examples of how to wear the seasons best looks.
