News Coverage: New York Fashion Week Fall 2001

1. Who organizes New York Fashion Week?

The organizers of New York Fashion Week is 7th On Sixth. It was created in 1993 and since then it has produced over 24 seasons and over 900 shows. If you want more information about 7th on Sixth, you can log on their website: www.7thonsixth.com

Please note that 7th On Sixth has been sold to IMG. As of this writing, a lot of things are still uncertain.

2. I'm a designer and I want to show my collection at New York Fashion Week. How do I do that?

You have to contact 7th on Sixth for that. Here is their contact information:
7th On Sixth
1412 Broadway
New York NY 10018
Tel: (212) 221-6239
Email: info@7thonsxith.com
Again, please remember that these things might change due to a change in management. Please call them up first before you send anything to make sure that you will send your information to the right person or group.
How much does it cost to put up a runway show?

A lot! We do not have exact figures but the word on the street is that the big name shows can cost between $200,000 to $500,000. Of course, these are big name shows wherein big name models are used. Smaller shows might cost lower than that. Some designers choose to "band together" and pool their resources so that they can produce a runway show. Some of them look for sponsorships. No matter how much the cost is, you will need seed money to show at New York Fashion Week.
Again, the figures we quoted are just word on the street and there is really no way for us to check its veracity unless we ask a designer. But we won't do that because that would be very uncouth. Best thing to find out is to ask 7th on Sixth. They will be able to help you better than we can. They are the experts on organizing these shows after all.
If it is so expensive to produce a show, then why do designers do it?

For exposure! It might be expensive to produce the show, but you get to show it to the whole world. The press coverage alone is worth a lot of money. Imagine if you have to buy advertising from a major newspaper or a fashion magazine such as Vogue or W. Your advertising will only run once and reach only a segment of the audience.
New York Fashion Week is covered by the whole media - TV, print and online. As a designer, you get free advertising! Think of the audience you will reach. You get a lot of value for your money. Advertising budgets for a full media campaign can run into millions. Somehow, the $500,000 that big name designers spend for their shows look very inexpensive.
And, if you are an up and coming designer, the media coverage gives you instant brand and name recognition. Again, your investment for a show looks pretty good since you get to meet the buyers along with the whole press corps.
So, as a designer, should I try to have a runway show?

That is a business decision for you to make. If you think that New York Fashion Week will give you the exposure you want, then planning to show your collection there is a good idea. But if you have a niche market, such as, you only create wedding gowns or children's clothes or maternity clothes, a more specialized venue for your product will be a better choice. In fact, if you are really specialized, spending your money on a sales rep or a PR agency or a publicist will be a good investment
I'm a model. How does one get hired at New York Fashion Week?

Models at New York Fashion Week is hired through modeling agencies. So, ask you agent about it. If you don't have an agency, you can go to: MODELS.com.
I just want to see the runway show? How do I get tickets?

You have to be invited by the designer or their Press Office to get tickets to the show. As a start, please go to our Fashion Designers area. Almost all of the designers listed have an address and contact list. You can start there.
Please note that FashionWindows do not have affiliation with the designers listed here. We are a database, and our listing is for information purposes only.
I'm a buyer for a store and I want to see the shows. How do I do that?

Again, please go to our Fashion Designers area and get the contact names and telephone numbers for the designer you are interested in. When you talk to them, please explain that you are interested in buying their products. You will be directed to the proper person.
There are several kinds of invitation for a fashion show - for the buyers, for the press and of course the personal invites of the fashion designer. Tickets are given by different groups, hence, it is important that you talk to the person in-charge of talking to Buyers.
I'm a writer and I want to cover New York Fashion Week. I will also be bringing a photographer with me. How do I get press accreditation?

You have to contact 7th on Sixth 4 weeks prior to a show. You have to provide your credentials via a letter of introduction. Here is the contact info:

7th on Sixth Inc.
1412 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
Fax: (212)768-0515

Again, please note that 7th on Sixth has been sold to IMG. There are bound to be changes in their accreditation process. Please call them for more information.