New York Fashion Week: The Story of the Week That Changed Fashion

The First New York Fashion Week

The very first New York Fashion Week took place in 1943, in the midst of World War II. At the time, travel to Europe was suspended, and the grand Parisian shows—the ultimate reference in fashion—were out of reach for American buyers and journalists. That’s when Eleanor Lambert, a visionary fashion publicist, created what was then called “Press Week,” with the goal of showing the world that the United States also had creative talent.

The idea worked: journalists who once wrote only about Parisian designers began to feature names like Claire McCardell and Norman Norell, paving the way for the prestige of American fashion.

Over time, the event grew, gained a new name, and became New York Fashion Week—the first of the “Big Four” (New York, London, Milan, and Paris) to present its collections. Today, it sets the tone for upcoming seasons and influences street style worldwide.

Fun Facts You Might Not Know:

• First Official Stage: Before the glamour of the Bryant Park tents or the shows at Spring Studios, the runway presentations took place in small salons and hotels.

• Global Influence: NYFW pioneered the idea of hosting fashion shows during one organized week—a model later followed by Paris, Milan, and London.

And you, reader—which city would you love to experience a fashion show in?

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