How to Get Yourself Invited to Fashion Week

Mar 19, 2025
in The Journal
How to Get Yourself Invited to Fashion Week

Fashion Week—the holy grail of the fashion industry. A week of runway shows, exclusive events, designer showcases, and major networking opportunities for those who manage to secure an invite.

But how do you actually get invited if you’re an influencer? Do you need millions of followers or a personal connection to a top designer? Absolutely not. With the right strategy, a polished pitch, and smart networking, you can get yourself on the list.

And with Contacts, you have direct access to in-house PR teams for major fashion brands—the people who actually decide who gets an invite.

Here’s everything you need to know to get invited to Fashion Week, make the most of it, and navigate it like a pro.

 

1. How Fashion Week Invitations Work

Before we dive into how to get invited, let’s talk about who sends out invites and what types of events happen during Fashion Week.

Who Controls Fashion Week Invites?

  • Fashion brands & designers – They invite influencers, press, and VIP guests to their runway shows.
  • Fashion magazines – Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and ELLE host private parties and networking events.
  • Retailers & showrooms – High-end retailers like Selfridges hold private previews.
  • Fashion sponsors & beauty brands – Companies like MAC, Swarovski, and BVLGARI host invite-only activations.

Types of Invitations Influencers Can Get:

  • Runway show invites (Front row for VIPs, general seating for influencers)
  • Showroom & private previews (Great for content creation)
  • Afterparties & networking events (Ideal for meeting industry insiders)
  • Brand pop-ups & activations (Often more accessible for newer influencers)

 

Now that you know what to aim for, let’s talk about how to get yourself on those guest lists.

2. Use Contacts to Find and Email the Right People

A common mistake influencers make? Emailing PR agencies instead of brand PR teams. Most Fashion Week guest lists are managed in-house—meaning you need to contact the brand’s PR team directly.

That’s where Contacts comes in. Instead of endlessly searching for email addresses, Contacts gives you direct access to in-house PR contacts for major fashion brands.

How to Use Contacts to Get Invited:

  • Find and email brand PR teams responsible for Fashion Week invites
  • Personalise your pitch (avoid generic requests)
  • Follow up professionally if you don’t hear back

Timing Tip: Start pitching 4-6 weeks before Fashion Week—guest lists fill up fast!

 

3. How to Write the Perfect Fashion Week Pitch

Once you have the right PR contact, your pitch needs to make an impact.

Example Email Template:

Subject: Fashion Week Attendance Request – [Your Name]

Hi [Brand PR’s Name],

I hope you’re well! My name is [Your Name], and I’m a fashion influencer/content creator with [X followers] on Instagram/TikTok. I love [Brand’s Name] and have previously featured [mention any past content].

I’d love the opportunity to attend your [Fashion Week Show / Presentation] and create engaging content for my audience, who are highly engaged with [specific niche—e.g., luxury fashion, street style, sustainable brands].

Please let me know if there’s availability to attend, and I’d be happy to provide audience insights or past Fashion Week coverage. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Social Media Links]

Pro Tip: If you’ve previously attended Fashion Week or worked with a brand, attach your media kit or relevant content links.

 

4. Think Beyond Runway Shows: Magazine Parties, Pop-Ups & Afterparties

If you don’t land a runway show invite, there are plenty of other Fashion Week events that are just as valuable.

Magazine-Hosted Events
Fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and ELLE host VIP afterparties and networking events.

Brand Pop-Ups & Activations
Luxury retailers (Selfridges, Net-a-Porter) often set up invite-only experiences where influencers can meet designers, preview collections, and create content.

Fashion Week Afterparties
Many top brands and sponsors (like MAC, Dior, and BVLGARI) host private parties where you can connect with designers, models, and other influencers.

How to Get Invited:

  • Engage with brands & magazines on social media before Fashion Week
  • Sign up for event waitlists (sometimes spots open last-minute)
  • When pitching PR teams, ask if they’re hosting any events—not just runway shows

5. What to Expect at Fashion Week (And How to Handle It Like a Pro)

So, you’ve secured an invite—what happens next?

1. Dress the Part
Fashion Week is a visual event. Think statement pieces, polished styling, and camera-ready outfits.

2. Be Ready for Constant Content Creation
From the moment you arrive, expect street-style photographers, backstage moments, and non-stop networking.

3. Arrive Early, But Expect Delays
Fashion shows rarely start on time, but seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive at least 30 minutes early.

4. Network, Network, Network
Whether you’re at a show, a party, or a pop-up, introduce yourself. Connect with PR teams, stylists, and fellow influencers.

5. Follow Fashion Week Etiquette

  • Be polite & professional—guest lists are invite-only for a reason
  • Don’t ask for plus-ones unless explicitly stated
  • Avoid filming entire shows (quick clips are fine, but full recordings aren’t encouraged)
  • Tag brands, designers, and event hosts when posting content

 

6. What to Do If You’re Just Getting Started in the Industry

Don’t have invites this season? Here’s how to still be part of Fashion Week:

1. Attend as a Street Style Creator
Being outside venues can still get you noticed. Photographers love capturing stylish influencers outside the shows.

2. Create Fashion Week-Themed Content
Post trend reports, styling videos, or recaps of past Fashion Weeks to show brands that you’re engaged with the event.

3. Start Small with Emerging Designers
Major brands might be out of reach at first, but new designers need coverage. Look for off-schedule events and showroom presentations.

4. Build Relationships for Next Season
Even if you don’t attend this year, network with PR teams and brands now. The connections you make this season could lead to invites next time.


Fashion Week invites aren’t just for celebrities—they’re for influencers who position themselves strategically, network smartly, and offer value.

  • Use Contacts to email brand PR teams directly
  • Pitch yourself professionally with a strong, personalised email
  • Don’t just aim for runway shows—explore magazine events, pop-ups, and afterparties
  • Think outside the box—attend as a street-style creator, work with emerging brands, or start networking early

With the right approach, this season could be your first Fashion Week invite—but it won’t be your last.

 

 

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