The handbook / know the industry
The Guide
Straight answers to the questions everyone has about fashion week — what it is, how the calendar really works, and how new faces get in. Factual, sourced, and free of the usual myths.
Basics
6 min read
What is Fashion Week? The complete guide
A plain-English explanation of what fashion week is, who it’s for, and why the “Big Four” cities matter.
Calendar
7 min read
The fashion week calendar, explained
Why shows happen months before the season, what “SS” and “AW” mean, and how the year is really structured.
Careers
8 min read
How to become a runway model (honestly)
What scouts and casting directors actually look for, how to find a reputable agency, and how to avoid the scams.
11 min read
Modelling at fashion week: the complete guide
How casting really works, what you need, the legitimate routes in, and how to avoid the scams — start to finish.
5 min read
Modelling under 18: what you need to know
The extra protections for young models, how to start safely, and our strict 18-and-over policy for submissions.
6 min read
Managing money as a new model
How you get paid, why you should budget for tax, and the money traps to avoid early in a modelling career.
Beauty
6 min read
What is runway beauty? Hair, makeup and the season’s looks
How the hair and makeup on the runway are decided, who leads them, and how a look travels from show to shelf.
City guides
5 min read
New York Fashion Week: the insider guide
Who runs it, when it happens, and why New York opens the season with a commercial, sportswear-led edge.
5 min read
London Fashion Week: the insider guide
The most experimental of the Big Four — who runs it, when it runs, and why it’s the home of new talent.
5 min read
Milan Fashion Week: the insider guide
Italy’s showcase of major houses and craftsmanship — who runs it, when it runs, and what defines it.
6 min read
Paris Fashion Week: the insider guide
The pinnacle that closes the season — who runs it, when it runs, and why Paris is the home of couture.
5 min read
Lagos Fashion Week: the insider guide
West Africa’s flagship week — a global engine for new design, sustainability, and pan-African talent.
4 min read
Jakarta Fashion Week: the insider guide
Southeast Asia’s largest week — a leading platform for Indonesian design and modest fashion.
4 min read
São Paulo Fashion Week: the insider guide
Latin America’s pre-eminent fashion event — Brazil’s flagship for design and casting.
Reference
A–Z
Fashion week glossary
The terms — Big Four, SS/AW, couture, casting, looks — defined in one place.