CFDA explores opening fashion shows to the public

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Dec 16, 2015

Does New York Fashion Week need an overhaul? That is a question that the CFDA is mulling over in regards to the future of fashion shows. The association tapped Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to conduct a study that could change the way fashion is presented to the audience.

 
The study itself will take a look at the fashion show today with the aim of fixing what many experts consider to be a broken system that confuses consumers. With collections being shown months in advance, consumers can become fatigued of new collections before they hit stores and clamor to next season being presented.
 
The CFDA cited Tom Ford, Proenza Schouler, Moschino and Rebecca Minkoff as examples of designers that have tried to be inclusive of the consumer. Tom Ford and Proenza Schouler put a strict embargo on their respective collections, Jeremy Scott makes his looks from Moschino immediately available in stores after the show and Rebecca Minkoff announced this week that her show in February at NYFW: Women’s will include spring styles available for purchase. Also, in September Rag & Bone partnered with Uber on a contest that gave lucky winners front row seats to the Rag & Bone runway show at NYFW.

“Designers, retailers and editors have been questioning the relevance of fashion week in its current format for some time,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA. “Out of this industry need came our decision to hire Boston Consulting Group to create an in-depth analysis and roadmap for the future of fashion shows.”
 
Fashion shows have always been held for industry insiders, but with the increase of celebrity involvement, media attention and social media, Fashion Week has become a public spectacle as well. The study is also expected to explore a possible move to more intimate presentations to trade and larger production shows for the consumer that are much closer to delivery.