Frequently Asked Questions about Fashion Week
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
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Welcome to Fashion Week Online®, the world’s top Fashion Week dedicated resource since 2012. Our comprehensive FAQ answers the most common questions about attending, participating in, and understanding global fashion weeks.
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Fashion Week Basics
When are the major fashion weeks?
Fashion weeks follow a global calendar with primary events in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. For the most current schedule and comprehensive dates of all upcoming fashion weeks, visit our Fashion Week Dates page.
For city-specific schedules, check our global Fashion Week Schedules hub, or view our International Fashion Week Calendar for the complete industry timeline.
How does this site work?
- First, explore upcoming fashion week dates to plan your season.
- Next, check the detailed schedules for industry events in each city.
- For ticket opportunities, check out our tickets hub.
- If a discount is available for an event, you’ll see a link to join our website to receive the exclusive discount code.
- VIP members can access all available discount codes directly through their member portal.
Fashion Week Online® has been the authority on global fashion weeks since 2012, providing insider access and exclusive ticket discounts that no other platform can offer.
When is fashion week?
The women’s ready-to-wear shows typically begin in February and September each year. Men’s fashion weeks and Paris Haute Couture shows occur in January and during the summer months (June/July).
For a complete explanation of the fashion calendar, including how the fashion weeks follow each other and when each city hosts their events, read our detailed guide: When Is Fashion Week?
What’s the history of fashion week?
Fashion week’s origins trace back to the 1800s in the haute couture salons of Paris, evolving significantly over the decades into the global phenomenon we know today.
For a fascinating look at how fashion weeks developed across the major fashion capitals, read our History of Fashion Week article.
Attendance & Participation
How can I attend fashion week?
While many fashion week events are traditionally “industry only” (for buyers and press), there are increasingly more opportunities for the public to attend shows and events.
Fashion Week Online® offers exclusive discounted tickets to many shows that other sites cannot provide. For complete information on attendance options, read our guide: How to Attend Fashion Week.
We offer tickets to shows in major fashion capitals:
Where are the shows held?
Fashion show locations typically change each season and are chosen individually by each designer or brand. Most show locations aren’t publicized broadly to manage attendance, with addresses typically appearing only on official invitations.
Open-to-the-public shows generally have published locations. For city-specific venue information, check our venue guides:
- New York Fashion Week Venues
- London Fashion Week Venues
- Milan Fashion Week Venues
- Paris Fashion Week Venues
Certain iconic locations tend to be used each season, such as the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. Following your favorite brands’ social media accounts is also a good way to get location information when it’s made public.
How can I volunteer or work during fashion week?
Your best bet is to reach out directly to the various fashion week producers, and look for opportunities on their social media accounts.
I’d like to model during fashion week
Most fashion week castings are handled through agencies. However, there are times when emerging or independent designers, or even bigger names, will hold open castings, or vet through an online submission process looking for new talent. We post casting calls for some of these shows (and producer contacts) for our VIP members here, and also make announcements for members on our Instagram. Independently, you can try reaching out directly or following the social media of the various fashion week producers.
Professional Inquiries
How can I apply as a designer?
Opportunities vary by city, and there’s a lot to know. Fortunately, we’ve included a basic guide and a list of producers here.
How can I advertise or promote my brand during fashion week?
Read this.
Can I submit my event to the calendar?
Yes, submit here.
Why wasn’t my calendar event approved/posted?
How can I contact FWO?
Of course, IF we didn’t answer any of your questions above. Otherwise, please save a pixel. : ) Contact us here. (Please note: We can’t respond to any questions already covered above.)
Visitor Resources
Where should I stay during fashion week?
Location is key when attending fashion week events. We recommend staying in neighborhoods close to the main venue clusters to minimize travel time between shows.
Our city-specific hotel guides provide recommendations by neighborhood, proximity to venues, and budget options:
- New York Fashion Week Hotels
- London Fashion Week Hotels
- Milan Fashion Week Hotels
- Paris Fashion Week Hotels
For first-time attendees, we suggest checking our venue guides first to identify where most shows are happening, then finding accommodations nearby.
Where should I eat during fashion week?
The fashion industry has its favorite dining spots in each city, where you might spot designers, editors, and models between shows. Our restaurant guides highlight both trendy hotspots and reliable quick options near major venues:
- New York Fashion Week Restaurants
- London Fashion Week Restaurants
- Milan Fashion Week Restaurants
- Paris Fashion Week Restaurants
Pro tip: Make reservations well in advance for popular spots, as they book up quickly during fashion week.
What should I wear to fashion week?
Fashion week attendees typically dress to impress, but your outfit should also be practical for a day of moving between venues and potentially standing for long periods.
Consider these guidelines:
- Express your personal style – Fashion week celebrates individual expression
- Dress for the season – Remember many venues can be hot in summer or cold in winter
- Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll be walking and standing more than you think
- Consider the city’s style – Each fashion capital has its own aesthetic
For more detailed advice on fashion week attire and etiquette, check our Insiders Guides for each city.
How can I get photographed for street style?
Street style photography has become an essential part of fashion week culture. While there’s no guaranteed way to be photographed, there are strategies that can increase your chances:
- Wear something unique that showcases your personal style
- Arrive early at popular venues where photographers gather
- Visit high-traffic areas like the main entrance of major shows
- Move confidently – photographers look for people who carry themselves well
For more detailed tips and strategies for getting noticed by street style photographers, read our guide: Fashion Week Street Style Guide.
What’s the best way to get around during fashion week?
Efficient transportation is crucial during fashion week, as shows are often scheduled back-to-back at different venues across the city.
Here are the best transportation options for each major fashion capital:
- New York: Subway for longer distances, rideshare apps for quick venue changes
- London: The Tube, black cabs, or rideshare services
- Milan: Metro, taxis, or private drivers
- Paris: Metro, taxis, or walking between central venues
For more detailed transportation tips and venue locations, see our city-specific venue guides:
What is Miami Swim Week?
Miami Swim Week is a trademark owned by Paraiso Miami Swim Week, featuring swimwear runway shows and presentations held annually in Miami. We offer exclusive ticket discounts to many Miami swimwear shows in late-May through our platform.
Since 2017, Fashion Week Online® has provided access to Miami swimwear events through:
For the latest schedule of Miami swimwear events, visit our Miami Swim Shows Schedule page.