Since the beginning of February, the entire fashion industry has gone into high-energy mode, relentlessly following the Big Four shows. Fashion weeks give designers the opportunity to raise their brand awareness in the industry and attract new clients and buyers. While for established brands, it's proof of status, for young brands, it's a great way to make a name for themselves. If you've been dreaming of participating in fashion weeks for a long time but have never been able to organize one, we'll tell you what to do.
A bit of history
Fashion Week was first held in New York City in 1943. Its initiator was Eleanor Lambert. Besides, this outstanding woman owns the idea of creating the first branding PR agency on the American continent and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Initially, the event was called "Fashion Press Week" (Fashion Press Week) and was aimed at familiarizing fashion publications with upcoming trends and novelties.
Cost of participation abroad
Getting to a foreign Fashion Week is much more difficult. Here you have to beat the competition because there are a lot of willing participants, including famous fashion houses, which are added to the schedule in the first place.
New York is one of the main cities where not only American brands go to show their collections but also European brands, including Ukrainian ones. For example, this year BEVZA brand will show its collection at New York Fashion Week. The total bill for one show during New York Fashion Week will be about $200,000. The cost includes: rental of space at Lincoln Center - from $15,000 to $60,000, styling - approximately $8,000 for the day, PR - from $5,000 to $15,000, production - from $10,000 to $20,000, models - approximately $150 to $200 each. The designer can save and even earn money, for example, on makeup and hairstyling if the cosmetics brand sponsors the show. In addition, the list of expenses should include live broadcasting, which will cost several tens of thousands of dollars if it is not included in the cost of participation in Lincoln Center.
Tokyo Fashion Week is no less remarkable, as entering the Asian market is one of the main goals of brands wishing to achieve high sales. Shows take place in a separate pavilion located in Tokyo Park. After the Ukrainian brand Ksenia Schnaider presented its collection as part of Amazon Fashion Week Tokyo, designer Ksenia Schnaider told on her social networks that in order to participate, you need to submit an application, which is accepted only on a disk. The disk with information about the brand has to be sent by FedEx mail. Then there is a pre-screening process, after which the brand or designer must send a few pieces from the collection for quality control. Already after passing these stages, potential participants have the opportunity to find out the cost of the show. The amount is not officially announced, but it is quite large, and most likely you will have to look for sponsors.
The cost of participation in Milan, Paris, and London Fashion Week varies within the above-mentioned limits. It all depends on the professionalism and popularity of the invited models, stylists, PR people, and the venue.
Participating in fashion weeks can be a significant investment for brands, and the costs can vary widely depending on the location and various factors. Here's a breakdown of some of the costs associated with participating in fashion weeks abroad:
New York Fashion Week:
Venue Rental at Lincoln Center: $15,000 to $60,000.
Styling: Approximately $8,000 for the day.
PR: Ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
Production: Estimated between $10,000 to $20,000.
Models: Around $150 to $200 per model.
Makeup and Hairstyling: Costs may vary, and sponsorship deals can help save or even earn money.
Live Broadcasting: Several tens of thousands of dollars (if not included in the venue cost).
The total bill for one show during New York Fashion Week can be around $200,000.
Tokyo Fashion Week:
The application process involves sending a disk with information about the brand via FedEx.
Pre-screening and quality control of collection pieces.
The exact cost of participation is not officially announced, but it can be substantial, and brands often seek sponsors to cover expenses.
Milan, Paris, and London Fashion Weeks:
Costs can vary widely based on factors such as the professionalism and popularity of models, stylists, PR professionals, and the venue.
These fashion weeks also require significant financial investments, and the expenses can fall within the same range as mentioned for New York Fashion Week.
It's important to note that participation in fashion weeks offers brands the opportunity to raise their profile in the industry, attract new clients and buyers, and establish themselves as fashion leaders. However, the costs involved can be substantial, and many emerging designers and brands seek financial support or sponsorship deals to make their participation possible.
Keep in mind that these costs can change from season to season and may vary based on individual arrangements and negotiations with event organizers, sponsors, and partners.
