Well established big brands can start at $100,000, which can include venue, models, styling, hair and makeup, production, public relations, and live streaming. Pay to play celebrities is an addition.

In 2011, the New York Times reported that the Marc Jacobs show cost at least $1 million, which breaks down to about $1,750 per each second of the show.

Racked reports alternatives for independent and emerging designers. Nolcha’s [New York Fashion Week’s event for independent fashion designers] packages range from $1,500 to $25,000. Harlem Fashion Week, who is in their second year, offer fees that range between $250 and $1,000. The fees often include the venue, PR, marketing, hair and makeup.

The EDGE designer network reports that costs can start at $5,000, and that is just to be in the show, but additional costs of travel, lodging, your own media marketing, etc. can total $10,000 or more. They go on to say that although ‘the ROI [return on your investment] is not there, it is difficult to shy away from this exposure when you are starting out’.

[Feature Image: American model, Renee Gunter, modeling haute couture clothing on fashion runway, circa 1970s.]

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