Top Fashion Shows New York: Autumn/Winter 2017

New York, September: The air vibrates, the spotlights glow, and on the runway it is decided which silhouettes will dominate the coming months. The New York Fashion Week dates are regarded worldwide as the starting signal of the most important fashion week of the year – and anyone who has experienced it up close understands why designers, editors and aspiring model training want to learn the steps to stand exactly here on the catwalk. What makes the autumn/winter season in New York so special, which designers shone and how you as an aspiring model can benefit from this spectacle – you will find out here.

Overview hide

History and significance of New York Fashion Week

The Highlights of the Autumn/Winter Shows

What Models Need to Bring to the Fashion Week

Fashion Week Overview: Dates and Focus Areas Compared

Your Way to the Runway – Concrete Next Steps

Frequently asked questions about the New York Fashion Week

History and significance of New York Fashion Week

The New York Fashion Week is not an invention of the Instagram era. Decades before social media, the fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert gathered the world’s most important designers in Manhattan to position American fashion on the international stage. Since then, the event has developed into the most influential fashion show in the world – even before the highlights of Paris Fashion Week Dates, Milan Fashion Week Dates or London Fashion Week Dates.

Together, these four metropolises form the so-called Big 4 Fashion Weeks, which determine the global fashion cycle. New York traditionally opens this series – and thus sets the tone for all subsequent shows. Anyone who impresses here is sure to capture the attention of the global press.

New York Compared to Other Fashion Weeks

While Fashion Week Berlin is more commonly regarded as a platform for emerging German fashion designers, New York is the epicentre of commercial high fashion with a global reach. The shows in New York are often more accessible, dynamic, and focused on the fusion of street style and haute couture. This makes them particularly intriguing for models wondering how to realistically become a model in New York.

The Highlights of the Autumn/Winter Shows

The New York autumn/winter season is known for its love of structure, volume, and a powerful colour palette. Oversized shoulders, earth-toned wool coats, and bold fur imitations dominated the runways. But it wasn’t just the clothing itself that caught the eye – the staging of the shows also reached a new level of quality.

Star designers and their signatures

The big names of the season went for contrasts: handcrafted perfection meets urban rawness. Some designers presented their collections in unusual locations – abandoned warehouses, underground stations, rooftop addresses with skyline views. For models, that means: those who walk these runways need not only catwalk and runway tips, but also mental strength and adaptability.

Models with an unmistakable look were particularly in demand this season – not the classic one-size-fits-all face, but personality on the runway. This also plays in favour of model candidates with special proportions. Those wondering which model measurements and requirements are really decisive should know: New York has long redefined the concept of ideal measurements.

Trends moving from the catwalk into collections

The autumn/winter shows in New York provided clear guidelines for the coming months:

Oversized coats in camel and tobacco
Structured shoulder sections as a statement
Artificial fur in bright colours
Mid-length skirts and dresses
Boots with wide block heels
Layering with fine knit layers

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What Models Need to Bring to the Fashion Week

Anyone who wants to walk on one of the world’s most prestigious fashion shows needs more than a photogenic face. The requirements are high – and the competition is even higher. Agencies booking models for New York pay close attention to profile, experience and presence. Even at the Casting at CM Models, it becomes clear who has what it takes to succeed on the international stage.

“A model walking the catwalk in New York has to tell a story in five seconds – without saying a word. That is pure energy, pure poise.”

Alongside outward appearance, punctuality, teamwork and experience in handling quick changes under pressure are essential. A professionally created model portfolio for casting is a must – it is your first impression before you even take your first step on the runway.

Requirements for International Fashion Shows

International runways set clear requirements. Anyone who is still unfamiliar with the requirements to become a model should first get to know them. For high-fashion shows, special standards generally apply – from clothing sizes to walk. However, the industry is also opening up here: Becoming a curvy model is no longer a niche career, but a growing segment with its own shows and renowned clients.

Those who are unsure whether their measurements are sufficient can find helpful guidance on the topic of minimum height for a modelling agency. And for everyone who does not fit the classic beauty ideal: there are now modelling agencies without a minimum height requirement that specifically focus on diversity.

Fashion Week Overview: Dates and Focus Areas Compared

To keep an overview, a direct comparison of the four most important fashion weeks is worthwhile:

City	Timeframe	Focus	Special Feature
New York	Early in the cycle	Commercial, accessible	Opens the global fashion cycle
London	Shortly after	Experimental, avant-garde	Focus on emerging designers
Milan	Mid-cycle	Luxury, craftsmanship, Italianità	Strong couture tradition
Paris	End of the cycle	Haute couture, prestige	The emotional finale

Your Way to the Runway – Concrete Next Steps

Following the New York Fashion Week is inspiring – but for many it’s more than just a dream. With the right preparation and a reputable agency behind you, the path to the catwalk is more tangible than you might think. The key is to start early with the right foundation. A reputable modelling agency opens doors that would otherwise remain closed without a network.

Those just starting out in their careers should first look at local options: a modelling agency Berlin, a modelling agency Hamburg or starting out with becoming a model in Frankfurt – all of these are valid routes that can later lead to international opportunities. Becoming a model in London is also a realistic step for many on the way to New York. Alternatively, more experienced models can also directly expand their international opportunities through modelling abroad.

Important when getting started: Be cautious of black sheep. The question of whether a model agency can charge money can be clearly answered – reputable agencies do not ask for upfront fees. Find out about model agencies without fees and check out the Top 10 model agencies before you sign anything.

You should also clarify questions around how much does a model earn and whether modeling as a side job is worth it early on. And if you don’t have an agency yet: Our guide on how to contact a model agency shows you how to make a professional first contact.

Checklist: Are you ready for your first casting?

☐ Professional photos for the model portfolio organised
☐ Body measurements up to date and documented
☐ Reputable agencies researched and compared
☐ Prepare for the casting – outfit, posture, walk practised
☐ CV and experiences written down
☐ Paid attention to the agency’s fee-free status
☐ Application documents fully submitted

If you’re ready to take the next step, now is the right moment: Apply now and seriously start your modelling career.

Frequently asked questions about the New York Fashion Week

How can I participate in the New York Fashion Week as a model?

The most direct route is through an experienced modelling agency with an international network. Agencies specifically scout models for the shows and present them to the designers. During Model Scouting, talents with the potential for international shows are discovered. Those who meet the requirements to become a model and are well-prepared have realistic chances. Local castings – such as at Casting at CM Models – are often the first step in this direction.

What measurements do I need for international fashion shows?

The requirements vary depending on the designer and agency. Classic high-fashion shows follow specific sizing standards, but curvy and plus-size shows are also gaining importance. Find detailed information under Model Measurements and Requirements and under Becoming a Model in Larger Sizes.

What does a reputable modelling agency cost?

Reputable agencies do not ask for upfront fees. They earn exclusively through commission when you book. Anything else is a red flag. More on this is explained in the article on whether a modelling agency can charge money – the answer is clear: No, not in advance.

How do I prepare for a casting?

Good preparation starts weeks before the actual date. This includes well-taken natural photos, an up-to-date modelling portfolio and training your walk. Our guide on preparing for a casting gives you specific step-by-step instructions.