The History of New York Fashion Week
American fashion designers covet a spot at New York's Fashion Week. The week-long event is the premier showcase for American fashion designers to present their creations to the world. There are two Fashion Weeks each year, one for spring fashions and one for fall. Fashion enthusiasts, the media and industry professionals all flock to these shows to see the latest designs for the upcoming season. While many love this event, few know the history of New York's Fashion Week.
Other People Are Reading
-
Press Week
-
In 1943, public relations professional Eleanor Lambert created Press Week, the forerunner to New York's Fashion Week. It was created with a dual purpose of breaking American designers from French influence and giving fashion editors a view of what American designers could create.
Different Locations
-
American designers showed their creations during Press Week twice a year, however the shows were held at different locations. Some opted to showcase their work in hotels, while in later decades many designers held their showings in lofts.
-
Finding a Central Location
-
The decision of the Council of Fashion Designers of America to hold the semi-annual shows at one location came about unintentionally. A structural accident inside the loft hosting a Michael Kors show led to the idea of presenting the seasonal designs in a central location.
Fifty Years Later
-
About 50 years after Press Week was established, New York Fashion Week was created. In the spring of 1994, American designers began showcasing their work at Bryant Park, behind the New York Public Library.
New York's Fashion Week
-
Run by 7th on Sixth, Olympus New York Fashion Week is the feature showcase for prominent American fashion designers. Thanks to this semi-annual event, the world has access to the creations of America's best fashion designers.
-
