When It Happens: Ready-to-wear: February/March & September/October. Haute couture (“high fashion”): January & July. Menswear: Jan & June. (Exact dates.)
Below is a list of fashion events happening during Paris Fashion Week where you can buy tickets or attend with RSVP. Please note: Opportunities will continue to appear until Day 1 of PFW. (See next dates). Keep checking back for new fashion week tickets and prices. Full industry schedule here.
How to Experience Paris Fashion Week (Yes, It’s Possible!)
Let me start with a fashion truth that most magazines don’t emphasize enough: experiencing Paris Fashion Week isn’t exclusively reserved for industry insiders. As someone who’s attended dozens of shows in Paris over the years, I can confirm there are legitimate ways to enjoy the fashion spectacle — you just need to know where to look.
Important note: Although the FHCM does not currently offer tickets to their official Paris Fashion Week shows, some high-profile and emerging designers do offer open-to-the-public, off-calendar tickets during Paris Fashion Week.
The Open-to-Public Shows: Fashion’s Hidden Treasures
The fashion world has an interesting ecosystem of shows that insiders understand well. While the official FHCM calendar shows represent the pinnacle of the industry, dozens of talented designers host “off-calendar” shows during the exact same week. These events take place in the same city, showcase remarkable designs, and frequently feature excellent models—with the key difference being accessibility. I once attended an off-calendar show by an emerging French-Korean designer where the collection was so innovative that major publications covered it extensively the following day, despite its unofficial status. The champagne was flowing, the venue was stunning, and the experience felt every bit as magical as the official events I regularly attend.
Where to Find Legitimate Opportunities
If you’re serious about experiencing Paris Fashion Week, here are your best options for access:
1. Designer Websites and Social Media: Many emerging designers release a limited allocation of tickets directly through their websites or announce availability on Instagram. Last season, several designers in released last-minute tickets just 48 hours before their presentations. Looking for your favorite designers during fashion week dates can pay off.
2. Trusted Industry Platforms: A select number of vetted fashion platforms occasionally offer packages to certain shows. My colleagues have had positive experiences with reputable services, though you should expect standing room unless you opt for premium packages.
3. Fashion School Connections: If you have connections to fashion education (or can develop them), many Parisian fashion schools receive allocations to distribute to their students and affiliates. A colleague from Parsons secured access to multiple presentations through academic industry partnerships.
4. Hotel Concierges at Luxury Properties: Premium hotels in Paris often maintain relationships with designers and can facilitate access for guests. This approach typically requires staying at upscale properties, but it’s a legitimate avenue that I’ve seen work for fashion enthusiasts during my years of covering the events. At one notable stay at a Place Vendôme hotel, the concierge arranged last-minute access for a guest after learning about their background in fashion retail.
What to Expect at Paris Fashion Week Events
Off-calendar shows during Paris Fashion Week present a spectrum of production values and experiences. Having attended both official and public-access events, I’ve witnessed everything from intimate designer presentations in artistic studios to elaborate productions in architectural landmarks that captured the essence of Parisian style.
Ticket prices for public events typically range from €30 for standing room at an emerging designer’s show to €250+ for seated tickets at more established brands. The most memorable event I attended as a guest included a second-row seat, a post-show reception with the atelier team, and a beautifully packaged fragrance from the designer’s new collection—a thoughtful touch that perfectly complemented the runway experience.
Be prepared for the fashion schedule’s famous flexibility. Even at the most prestigious events, shows rarely begin precisely on time (the latest start I’ve witnessed was 63 minutes after the scheduled time), seating arrangements can evolve at the last minute, and the actual runway presentation typically lasts between 8-15 minutes. The true value lies in the anticipation, the atmosphere, the networking, and those transcendent moments when innovative designs appear in person rather than through a screen.
Understanding Fashion Week Ticket Offerings
A word of professional advice: be discerning about offers promising “exclusive access” to official Paris Fashion Week shows. Many services promote opportunities that should be carefully evaluated. After years in the industry, I’ve learned to distinguish between legitimate access and inflated promises. Always research thoroughly before making commitments, as prices can vary dramatically for essentially similar experiences.
Legitimate off-calendar experiences typically include:
– Access to designer presentations
Sometimes showroom or atelier visits
Occasional networking opportunities with industry professionals
What’s important to understand is the distinction between the invitation-only FHCM calendar shows for major houses like Chanel, Dior, or Louis Vuitton, and the accessible off-calendar events. If any service promises guaranteed access to traditionally closed shows without clear industry credentials, that deserves additional scrutiny.
Creating a Complete Paris Fashion Week Experience
Even with access to just one or two presentations, you can craft a fulfilling fashion week experience in Paris. Between scheduled events, consider these insider approaches:
– Designer Showroom Visits: Many designers maintain showrooms with public hours during fashion week. I’ve had the privilege of visiting intimate ateliers where designers personally discussed their collections—these moments often prove more insightful than the runway shows themselves.
– Fashion Exhibitions and Installations: Museums and galleries across Paris coordinate fashion-centric exhibitions specifically for Fashion Week timing. The Palais Galliera and Musée des Arts Décoratifs consistently present exquisite fashion retrospectives and contemporary showcases.
– Style Observation at Key Locations: Position yourself near major show venues during peak hours, and you’ll observe a parade of industry figures in their carefully curated ensembles. Some of the most interesting style moments happen on the streets rather than the runways.
– Industry Events and Launches: While certain celebrations remain invitation-only, many brands host accessible events at Paris boutiques and cultural spaces during the week. Fashion-focused bookstores, concept shops, and department stores often program special activities aligned with the fashion calendar.
Remember, Paris Fashion Week represents more than accessing exclusive presentations; it’s about immersing yourself in a period when the entire city becomes a celebration of creativity and style. With informed planning, you can create a meaningful fashion experience that reflects your personal interests—whether you’re attending official calendar events or discovering the energy of Paris fashion through alternative avenues.
