The Shocking Way New York Fashion Week Is Changing For Good #NYFW #GlamazonChat

Glamazons,

In my lifetime, Fashion Week has gone through a number of changes. It went from a private industry trade show to a mega marketing event, granting bloggers the same access as editors. It moved from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center to eventually the Hudson Yards Culture Shed. And now, Fashion Week could be revamping its entire structure. The CFDA is toying with the idea of shifting New York Fashion Week to a consumer-focused, ready-to-buy affair. And I think it’s the best idea they’ve had in awhile!

This February, most designers will preview Fall 2016 collections but Rebecca Minkoff decided to show her Spring 2016 range to an audience that includes consumers. Instead of giving an insider-only preview of next season’s offerings, Rebecca Minkoff will let you buy her runway designs immediately and even invite you to attend the show.

Why the switch up? Let’s be honest: social media has “broken” Fashion Week. What once served as an opportunity for insiders to preview next season’s collections has morphed into a tease that confuses consumers. Our timelines are flooded with off-season designs that won’t be available for half a year — when we’re already eager to wear them. By the time the originals hit stores, our attention has shifted to the new designs flooding our Instagram feed. We don’t have the same desire to buy what was shown six months ago. 

And while we’re waiting, fast fashion retailers knock off the pieces on the runway, stealing sales from designers. The only way to fix this “broken system” is if the CFDA changes the Fashion Week format altogether. A ready-to-buy fashion show feeds our need for instant gratification without the fast fashion middle man. Copycats wouldn’t be able to beat designers to retail, and consumers may be more inclined to buy pieces directly from fashion houses. 

As part of the potential revamp, the CFDA is considering how they can further open up fashion shows to the consumer. One possibility is allowing consumers to attend fashion shows and host industry previews six months prior. Perhaps designers can even work with press and buyers to finalize their collection before showing it to consumers at Fashion Week. By holding earlier press previews and allowing consumers to attend fashion shows, we can merge traditional fashion week with contemporary demands. 

Of course this is only a possibility: the CFDA is still in brainstorming stages and hasn’t made a firm decision to restructure. A seven week survey will kick off in January and I’m confident the results will lay the groundwork for changing the future of Fashion Week.

Glamazons, what do you think? Are you down with a Fashion Week reboot? What changes would you like to see in a more consumer-based Fashion Week? 

Talk to you soon,

Esta Fiesta