When New York Fashion Week happens, how it became the world’s first fashion week, and who shows there.
By Shreya S · Last reviewed 1 November 2026
When is New York Fashion Week?
In February (Fall/Winter) and September (Spring/Summer). It opens fashion month, before London, Milan and Paris. The official calendar is managed by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
Was New York the first fashion week?
Yes. In 1943, with Paris occupied during the Second World War, the publicist Eleanor Lambert organised “Press Week” to showcase American designers to editors. Lambert also created the Met Gala and the CFDA.
What was the Battle of Versailles?
A 1973 fundraising show at the Palace of Versailles where five American designers, including Halston, Oscar de la Renta and Stephen Burrows, showed alongside five French couturiers, including Yves Saint Laurent and Hubert de Givenchy. The Americans’ energetic, modern show, with many Black models, was a triumph and put American fashion on the world map.
Read on Ayerhs: The Iconic Moments of Halston and the Halstonettes · The Evolution of New York Fashion Week
Which brands show at New York Fashion Week?
Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Coach, Khaite, Tory Burch and Proenza Schouler, among others. Thom Browne shows in both New York and Paris.
What makes New York different?
American sportswear: practical, wearable clothes for modern life, from Claire McCardell and Halston to Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. New York is also the most commercial and celebrity-driven of the Big Four.
Read on Ayerhs: Everything You Need to Know About New York Fashion Week · Calvin Klein – The complete guide