How it works
The big four fashion weeks run back to back twice a year: in February–March the autumn/winter collections are shown, in September–October spring/summer. The whole stretch is often called fashion month. Men's and haute couture weeks are held separately.
For a model it is the most intense time. In the weeks before the shows there are hundreds of castings, then fittings and the show days themselves, with several shows a day. For new faces fashion week is the biggest chance to be noticed.
Fashion weeks are held in many other cities too: Copenhagen, Stockholm, Tokyo, Seoul, Riga and Vilnius. They are smaller but ideal for a first runway experience.
In practice
In early September a model flies to New York, a week later moves to London, then Milan and finally Paris. Over the month he has more than a hundred castings and seven shows. The agency arranges housing and a plan in each city, and when he comes home he receives one combined statement.
What to watch for
- Go to fashion week only through an agency, with a clear plan and housing.
- Have money in reserve: castings start before any income.
- Sleep and food are part of the job, not a luxury.
Related terms
Frequently asked
01When are fashion weeks held?
The main ones twice a year: February–March and September–October. Exact dates are in the fashion calendar.
02Can you go to fashion week without an agency?
As a spectator, yes, but walking shows without an agency is almost impossible: castings go through agencies.