Fashion Week Isn’t for the Public Anymore — But the Public Is Still Watching
Fashion Week used to be where the future of fashion was revealed. But as the front rows fill with celebrities, private clients, and handpicked press, the public has been pushed further from the experience. Livestreams are limited. Media access is shrinking. And for most people, the only glimpse they get of the runway isn’t from the designers — it’s from influencers.
In 2025, they’ve quietly become the public’s last access point to what was once the most influential week in fashion. Whether it’s a GRWM from outside the venue or a TikTok from a seat they weren’t invited to, creators are now the filter through which Fashion Week reaches the world — and the filter is getting stronger.
The Return of Invite-Only Culture
Invite-only culture has returned full force post-pandemic. Major brands are limiting livestreams — with over 60 brands partnering with CFDA, only one-third chose to livestream in partnership with Rockefeller Center. Media access is tighter than ever, creating a divide between those inside the tents and the public left outside.
Fashion’s Night Out: When Fashion Week Opened Its Doors
Fashion Night Out (FNO) used to be one of the most exciting and talked-about events during Fashion Week. Launched in 2009 by Vogue, CFDA, and the NYC government, it was intended to bridge the gap between high fashion and the public. Walking the streets of Soho, one could find shopping parties, in-store events, and celebrity appearances — I once saw Karl Lagerfeld walking down the street, drawing a quick mob around him.
FNO created a sense of inclusion and accessibility during Fashion Week, making it feel like anything was possible with the creative energy in the air.
Unfortunately, FNO was halted in 2013 due to a lack of ROI and retail fatigue. Brands and retailers shifted their focus toward digital content and influencers, leaving a void with no similar public-facing event to replace FNO.
Influencers: The Public’s New Front Row
Today, the public’s only real “access point” is through influencers on social platforms. The CFDA attempted to include the public by partnering with Rockefeller Center, providing a mix of livestreams and recorded runway shows, making it the only centralized hub — physical or digital — where the public could view NYFW shows. This year, there were fewer panels and more experiential events and pop-ups, highlighting the shift toward immersive, influencer-driven experiences.
Influencers have become the bridge between exclusive fashion shows and the public’s desire for access, sharing real-time moments that the official channels no longer provide.
The Rise of “Influencer Fashion Week”
While traditional Fashion Week is still the place where trends debut and editors take notes, most people don’t watch the actual shows — they experience Fashion Week through influencers. And for them, the influencer content is Fashion Week.
Personally, I’ve watched from the sidelines as invited bloggers and influencers from NYFW share “get ready with me” videos and street style photoshoots of their best looks. To some, Fashion Week also feels like an influencer fashion show.
Fashion Week might not want the public anymore — but the public is still watching, through someone else’s camera roll, and Instagram and TikTok recaps. For many, that’s the only front row they’ll ever see.
Your Front Row: Watching Fashion Week Through Someone Else’s Lens
Have you noticed this shift? Would you rather attend Fashion Week, or build your own version with your community? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social!
