Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about LA Fashion Week.
How long has there been an “LA Fashion Week”?
Here are some key moments:
2000
LAFashionWeek.com registered
2001
AUDI presents “Spring 2002 Designer Collections of Los Angeles Fashion Week”
2002
– Mercedes-Benz creates LA Fashion Week shows with Smashbox Studios
– FashionWeekLA.com is founded as an independent news source
2007
Competing “Downtown LA Fashion Week” created by BOXEight
2008
– Mercedes-Benz and Smashbox leave Los Angeles; Downtown LA Fashion Week folds
– The Gallery LA (now Endless Road Entertainment) starts producing LA Fashion Weekend
2009
Mike Vensel creates CONCEPT shows during LAFW
2010
– World Coast Management creates “official” LA Fashion Week shows at lafwofficial.com, which are cancelled, apparently due to permit issues
– Style Fashion Week begins producing shows
2011
– Art Hearts Fashion is founded, according to Apparel News
2012
– Canadian Tito Chipman trademarks “LA Fashion Week” on the basis on an event held October 30, 2012, in Seattle, WA
– Blogger Kelsi Smith creates the Los Angeles Fashion Council, which starts producing shows
October 12, 2012, Seattle, WA – The event that is the basis of the “LA Fashion Week” trademark in Los Angeles, CA
2013
– First documented Art Hearts Fashion shows, which are later referred to as part of “LA Fashion Week” by Apparel News and the LA Times.
– Style Fashion Week declared “official fashion week of Los Angeles” by Mayor Garcetti and Councilman Curren D. Price, Jr.
2014
FashionWeekLA.com starts producing shows in conjunction with the LA Fashion Council, with dates that come a week before Style Fashion Week
2015
– LAFW.net declares itself the latest “official” LA Fashion Week
– Meanwhile, FWLA.com enters market
Who produces LA Fashion Week?
A variety of independent producers.
What is LA Fashion Week?
LA Fashion Week is time of year when a number of international fashion collections — many of them from the West Coast — are presented to buyers, media and the public. Shows are created by various independent producers located throughout the city.
When is it?
March and October. It comes about a month after the beginning of New York Fashion Week, and directly follows Paris Fashion Week.
How do I attend / register?
Calendar of events?
See the LA Fashion Week calendar.
Questions about parking / invitations.
Please contact the producer of the show you’re attending.
Tickets?
Yes and no. Some shows are open to the public; others are by invitation only. Contact each producer to find out.
Designer application?
Read this guide for designers.
Modeling?
Read this guide to modeling during LA Fashion Week.
Work / volunteer?
See our guide to volunteering or working at LA Fashion Week.
Submit event or photos?
Please submit here.
Sponsorship / promotion?
Contact individual show producers.
Help – I was invited to participate in LAFW and I’m not sure if it’s legit.
Here are some general rules of thumb:
Ask where the show will be held. Is it in a theatre? Large club? Warehouse? Restaurant? Dive bar? What part of town will it be held? Check the venue online and see if it’s something that looks right for you.
Do your homework. Does the producer have a history of good, prior shows? Check their website and Facebook. See if they have fans and a solid history, backed up with press and photos. When in doubt, ask questions.
How much are YOU paying to showcase or attend? Are you paying for your own flight and hotel accommodations, to model or “showcase” in a dive bar? Get all the facts and weigh the cost versus benefit.
Learn about modeling scams. No need to fret. We’re just saying to exercise reasonable caution. We recommend this guide to fashion-related scams.
Well, that’s about it. Good luck!