A Professional Glimpse Into New York Fashion Week

New York City is celebrated as one of the top fashion capitals of the world, and for good reason. Some of the most iconic brands in the world have origin stories that started there. But also, Twice a year, every February and September, the city transforms into a runway, with shows scattered across Manhattan under the grand banner of New York Fashion Week. On the outside, it looks like the most glamorous event imaginable—celebrities appearances, influencers on the front row, flashing lights, and a parade of looks that set the tone for the season ahead. And yes, if you’re into fashion, it’s a bucket-list event. But after years of attending as a professional in this industry, I can tell you there’s much more to NYFW than the Instagram-worthy moments. If you really want to take in the experience as a guest, stick around—I’ll break it all down.

Among my circle of industry friends, we jokingly call Fashion Week “Halloween Week.” Why? Because for five days, we all dress like we live in The Capitol from The Hunger Games and descend on the city in our most avant-garde looks. It’s fun, it’s theatrical, and it’s a chance to fully embrace the art of fashion. This is the one week where that statement sports coat you only wear once a year finally makes sense—because for any other setting in life, it’s just a little too much.

After years of attending, I’ve come to see Fashion Week as three very different tiers: showcases, experiences, and productions.

In my view, Showcases are the “small room” shows of NYFW. They’re often are open to the public and staged in highly visible spots like Times Square, where thousands of tourists can wander by and catch a glimpse. Other times, they’re tucked into small, privately rented venues—rooms that feel more like banquet halls than fashion stages. You can usually tell what you’re walking into as soon as you see the setup: plastic banner backdrops, no elevated runway, lighting that doesn’t flatter, and press boxes that aren’t leveled. These shows don’t typically attract big-name influencers or celebrities, but they do give designers and models a chance to put something on their résumé and gain exposure. For newcomers, they’re a steppingstone. For seasoned industry professionals, they’re not usually where the magic happens.

At the opposite extreme are the big-name productions—Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and the like. These shows are backed by entertainment powerhouses like WME, fueled by million-dollar budgets, flawless execution, and professional teams managing every detail. They are the definition of production perfection. The challenge is access. Unless you’re well-connected, seats are nearly impossible to secure, even though they are technically “for sale.” For most people, your best bet is catching the recap on YouTube or social media.

Then there’s the middle ground—and what I think is the sweet spot—the experiences. These shows are polished, ambitious, and accessible enough to give industry professionals, creatives, and even fashion lovers a real chance to be part of NYFW. Experiences deliver the spectacle people imagine when they think of Fashion Week, but they also create opportunities to network, build portfolios, and make connections. Two of the best examples are Runway7 and Art Heart Fashion. Both travel nationally to cities like Miami, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, but it’s their New York productions that anchor them as true Fashion Week players.

Runway7 is one I consistently recommend. Their shows are professional and tightly run, earning a solid 9 out of 10 for production. The energy is high, transitions between designers are seamless, and the entire day feels organized. Their go-to venue, Sony Hall, is iconic and adds a sense of New York history to the experience. That said, the stairs can be inconvenient, and the red carpet area is on the small side, which makes it a challenge for photographers—so I’d rate the venue an 8.5 out of 10. What Runway7 really excels at is creating networking opportunities. The breaks between shows are long enough to meet designers, models, and other professionals, and the official after-party extends that access into the night. Its well organized and accessible. I give them an 8.5 out of 10 for networking. As a guest, you’ll feel like you’re getting more than your money’s worth—easy check-in, swag bags, good seats no matter where you land, and plenty of chances to connect. Personally, I even enjoy sitting in the back row sometimes, because it’s the best spot for capturing full-body runway shots of both models and designs.

"As a little person plug to this show, The program book to the show was well organized and perfect for those that want to purchase or connect with the designers. Solid 10 out of 10, A designer at a show, this is exactly what you want to see!"

Art Heart Fashion is another standout in the experience category, though it feels distinctly different. Their shows lean more artistic and occasionally attract well-known influencers, adding buzz and excitement to the room. Production quality is strong, earning an 8.5 out of 10, though the flow isn’t always as sharp as Runway7. Their venue, the Angel Orensanz Foundation, is stunning. The gothic architecture and historic charm make the space unforgettable, and it sets a dramatic stage for the collections. I’d rate it an 8.5 out of 10 only because the layout can be tricky—narrow corridors, uneven steps, and large crowds can slow things down. Where Art Heart Fashion shines is networking if you have the right access. An All-Access pass gives you entry to the top floor, complete with a complimentary bar and plenty of opportunities to meet people. The rising popularity of Art Heart Fashion does mean bigger crowds, which sometimes makes it harder for first-timers to secure prime spots, and while they host after-parties, I personally didn’t find them to be as accessible as others. That said, I’d still score their networking at 8.5 out of 10, it all happens at the shows.

What I think most of us want when we come to fashion shows is an simple and easy way to get a ticket, get to our seat, be excited and satisfied with the show, meet some creative people and have the exclusive looks at the clothes we hope to buy from our favorite designers. This is all delivered with both shows.

So where does that leave us? If you’re heading to New York Fashion Week for the first time and want an authentic, accessible, and rewarding experience, Runway7 is a fantastic choice. It delivers professionalism, energy, and strong value without feeling unattainable. Art Heart Fashion is equally worth attending, especially if you’re looking for a dramatic, high-energy backdrop and an artistic vibe.

Category	Runway7	Art Heart Fashion
Venue	8.5/10	8.5/10
Networking	8/10	8.5/10
Production	9/10	8.5/10
Drinks	7.5/10 (Cash Bar)	8/10 (Limited But Free)
After Party	8/10	7/10

The smaller showcases are important for emerging talent, and the major productions remain aspirational, but it’s the experience shows that capture the true spirit of Fashion Week. They’re the perfect mix of glamour, accessibility, and opportunity—and they remind us that behind the flashing lights and Instagram posts, Fashion Week is really about connection, creativity, and building the future of fashion.