Welcome to Fashion Week! The countdown is on!
This page has everything you need—key details, expectations, FAQs and tips to help models (and parents) have a seamless, unforgettable experience on one of fashion’s most prestigious stages.
We’ll keep this page updated as we get closer to showtime, so be sure to check back often for the latest info.
To make the weekend even more fun, we’ll also be creating Instagram group chats so you can connect with the other models ahead of time, get to know each other, and ask any questions you might have.
We’re so excited you’re here—our favorite weekend of the year is about to be even more special with you as part of it!
Note from Allie
Hello! My name is Allie, and I'm the CEO and Creative Director of Dragonwing, and I'm so excited to work with you!
New York Fashion Week, fashion’s biggest stage, is here, and this is your moment to shine! You will be debuting our newest collection with the confidence, strength, and boldness that define Dragonwing. Seeing you bring our designs to life inspires not just me, but girls everywhere. Thank you for your energy, your strength, and for making this moment unforgettable!
XOXO, Allie 💗
P.S. Let the world know you're walking for us! Click the button below for the suggested social media announcement post! Be sure tag us! 😉
What to Expect Leading Up to the Shows
We pride ourselves on being highly organized, but this is the fashion world—things can shift quickly in the final weeks leading up to the shows. Be prepared! We’ll be on-site all weekend to keep everything running smoothly and stop any drama in its tracks! So please don’t worry—just sit back, enjoy the ride, and know it’s going to be an incredible weekend.
This marks our 13th and 14th shows in partnership with The Bureau, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Their expertise, creativity, and dedication consistently result in spectacular productions that bring our vision to life. We’re so grateful to collaborate with such a talented and dependable team year after year!
Walking Shoes - Friday
All models will need to purchase white walking shoes for Friday's Show. We ask that you purchase your own shoes so you can choose a pair that you feel stylish and comfortable walking in. We know that everyone is different!
Shoe Options (please select WHITE):
If none of these options work, you are free to pick something similar to the image above.
Walking Shoes - Saturday
All models will need to purchase black walking shoes for Saturday's Show. We ask that you purchase your own shoes so you can choose a pair that you feel stylish and comfortable walking in. We know that everyone is different!
Shoe Options (please select BLACK):
If none of these options work, you are free to pick something similar to the image above.
Travel
- There are plenty of ways to get to the NYC area—by air, train, or car. If you’re flying, any of the NYC-metro airports (LaGuardia, JFK, or Newark Liberty) will work just fine.
- For our out-of-state models, we highly recommend arriving at least 24 hours before showtime. This gives us a little breathing room in case of any travel hiccups. Last season, we had a few close calls with weather delays and cancellations, and we definitely want to avoid that kind of stress this time around!
Accommodations
There are tons of hotel options in NYC! We typically stay downtown at the Conrad Hotel Downtown, but some may prefer being closer to the hustle and bustle of Times Square. Below are a few options where models have stayed in the past—but truly, there are hundreds of choices at different price points.
All midtown locations are 5-10 minutes Uber/cab ride from the venue. All Downtown locations listed below are a 15-25 minute ride from the venue.
Midtown Hotels (near the Venue, Times Square, Broadway, Penn Station & Grand Central)
- Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Penn Station
- Hyatt Grand Central New York
- Hilton New York Times Square
- Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square
- Hilton Garden Inn New York/Times Square Central
Other Downtown Hotels
- Conrad Hotel Downtown
- Four Points by Sheraton New York Downtown
- New York Marriott Downtown
- Millennium Downtown New York
- Courtyard New York Downtown
Tentative Timeline for September 12th and 13th
Note: We will finalize this a few days before the show as we get more details from The Bureau. But, this timeline is based on last season's schedule.
Friday, September 12th
- 12:30PM – Rehearsal at or near the Venue
- 1:00PM – Fittings at Venue
- 1:30PM – Start time hair and make-up
- 3:00PM – Doors open for VIP ticketholders
- 3:45PM – Doors open for GA ticketholders
- 4:00PM – Showtime!
Saturday, September 13th
- 11:00PM – Rehearsal at or near the Venue
- 11:30PM – Fittings at Venue
- 11:30PM – Start time hair and make-up
- 1:30PM – Doors open for VIP ticketholders
- 2:15PM – Doors open for GA ticketholders
- 2:30PM – Showtime!
Showtimes and Location
Showtimes:
- Friday, September 12th: 4:00PM, and
- Saturday, September 13th: 2:30PM
Location:
Ticket Information:
- Everyone that is attending the show needs a ticket to enter. The models DO NOT need their own ticket. But, mom, dad, siblings and extended family will need a ticket!
- There are Front Row VIP and General Admission Tickets available at the Bureau Fashion Week website.
- Front Row VIP tickets include Front Row Seating (perfect for iPhone videos!), Curated Gift Bag, 1-Hour open bar and VIP lounge access.
Location Information:
- A landmark venue in the heart of Manhattan, Gotham Hall is one of New York City’s most sought-after destinations for luxury events and high-profile fashion shows. Originally built in 1924 as the Greenwich Savings Bank, the historic space features a breathtaking 70-foot domed ceiling, Corinthian columns, and a grand ballroom that blends timeless architecture with modern elegance.
Meet Emma: Model and Runway Coordinator for NYFW
Emma is a 16-year-old Elite Ambassador from Denver who will lead runway lessons, coordinate rehearsals, and keep everything running smoothly backstage this season. She’s walked in over a dozen fashion shows and taught over 50 runway lessons in the past year, so she knows exactly how to help models feel their best. Emma will also be hands-on with our Dragonwing Minis, making sure the youngest girls feel comfortable and runway-ready.
When she’s not bringing NYFW to life, Emma stays busy balancing school, modeling, and her passion for acting—proving that hard work and creativity go hand in hand.
Virtual Runway Lesson Opportunity: Want a little extra practice before the big day? Emma is offering virtual runway lessons to help you perfect your walk. (If you’re in the Denver area, she may even be able to meet you in person!) To book a session, just DM her on Instagram at @emma.m_03. Prefer text? Email us, and we’ll be happy to share her number.
Live Runway Lesson Opportunity: Emma will also be available in NYC on 9/11, 9/12 and 9/13 for additional runway coaching! It’s the perfect way to get a quick confidence boost, shake off any pre‑show nerves, and hit the runway feeling amazing. Click on the button below to sign-up for a live lesson!
Runway Tips with Emma
To help you feel your absolute best on the runway, Emma has put together five days of runway tips in this video. She covers everything from how to stay calm and organized backstage, to practicing your poses at home, to developing the confidence that makes a walk unforgettable. Watch this video and get all of her expert advice before showtime!
Photoshoot Opportunity with Chris Coates
We are so excited to be partnering once again with the incredible Chris Coates Photography in NYC! Chris is a nationally recognized dance photographer who creates stunning, editorial-style images that capture personality and style in every shot.
The best part? You do NOT need to be a dancer to join in. This exclusive opportunity is available to all NYFW models!
Chris will be available for 15–30 minute shoots in Times Square from Friday through Sunday, making it the perfect way to add a little bit more magic to your NYFW weekend.
Grand Central Terminal Photo Opportunity with Harry Siskind
We are excited to partner with world-renowned photographer, Harry J. Siskind, for a shoot at Grand Central Terminal on the morning of Sunday, September 15th. Participants will step back into their runway looks for both group and individual portraits in one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks.
Harry, known as The Elvis Photographer, has captured legends from Elvis Presley and Princess Diana to Cher, Lionel Richie, and Muhammad Ali. This is a rare chance to be photographed by a globally recognized artist and to create timeless imagery that celebrates your Dragonwing NYFW moment.
Harry will be available at 8AM on Sunday morning. (this will allow us to avoid a big rush of commuters)
Video Editorial Opportunity with LeVoyeur Fashion Films
We are proud to exclusively partner with Ryan Reedy of LeVoyeur Fashion Films to offer custom runway and editorial video packages at the venue. Whether you're looking to capture your full runway moment or create a curated editorial reel, LeVoyeur Fashion Films delivers high-quality, professional content designed to elevate your experience. All videos are filmed the day of the show. Packages range from $100 to $375, with options to fit every vision. Please click on the link below to see all videos offered.
Video Example: Custom Stylized Editorial of Lylah from Dallas Fashion Week, March 2025
Exclusive Model Discount Code
As a Fashion Week model, you’re part of the Dragonwing family, and we’re so grateful for you!
To say thank you, we’re offering a one-time 30% discount on your next purchase from our online store. Use code NYFWMODEL at checkout to grab your favorite styles. This exclusive code is valid through the end of September—enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bureau Fashion Week?
The Bureau Fashion Week or The Bureau, is a leading fashion week producer that we partner with that organizes fashion events across multiple cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami. Please follow them on Instagram!
It is important to note that New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is a collective term for fashion shows that take place twice a year in February and September. These shows are organized by different designers, brands, and organizations, including The Bureau.
The events take place in different venues across New York City, but they are all part of the larger NYFW season.
How should we prepare to walk the runway?
Whether you're a seasoned pro or stepping onto the runway for the first time, preparation is key to owning the stage! We highly recommend dedicating time to practice your runway walk and poses leading up to the show.
This will not only help you feel confident but also ensure that your movements flow seamlessly with the collection you’ll be showcasing. Practice in the shoes you’ll be wearing, experiment with different poses, and familiarize yourself with walking to the rhythm of various types of music.
For extra tips and inspiration, watch our previous shows to see how models brought the designs to life. Pay attention to their pacing, posture, and transitions—every detail adds to the overall performance.
Remember, the runway is your moment to shine—perfecting your walk and poses can make all the difference in leaving a lasting impression. You’ve got this!
Do I get to choose my runway outfit?
No, you don’t. Allie has carefully curated and designed custom outfits specifically for each model to showcase during the show. These looks are thoughtfully crafted to align with the collection's vision and theme, ensuring a cohesive and striking presentation on the runway.
You’ll find out which fabulous outfit you’ll be wearing the morning of the show—how exciting! This element of surprise is all part of the magic and thrill of the fashion world, where creativity and spontaneity take center stage.
Trust the process, step into your role, and get ready to rock the runway in style. After all, this is what the fashion world is all about!
Do I get to keep my runway outfit?
Yes! After the show, your runway outfit is yours to take home as a special keepsake. It’s our way of thanking you for bringing our designs to life on the runway. Each piece is custom-made, making it a unique memento of your time as part of the show.
We hope you’ll enjoy wearing your outfit beyond the runway, whether it’s to make a bold statement or to relive the magic of the show. It’s a little piece of the fashion world you can carry with you!
Can I wear nail polish when I walk on the runway?
Yes, of course! We only request that you come with no chipped nails. The camera picks up everything! You don't want to ruin a classic runway pose with a few bad nails!
Do you recommend buying VIP or GA tickets?
It really comes down to your preference—both options offer a great experience! VIP tickets do come at a higher price point, but they include added perks (outlined above). One of the top benefits guests have shared about VIP seating is the unobstructed view of the runway, which is ideal if you plan to capture personal photos or videos.
How long is the show?
The show will be anywhere from 1 hour to 90 minutes, depending on the number of designers. Our segment will be approximately 15 minutes. We ask you NOT to leave early out of respect for the other designers, and due to the fact that the show will be recorded. The designers will be presenting back-to-back so there will be no intermission. The Bureau will also mention this right before showtime. ;-)
What should I wear to attend the show?
You’re welcome to wear whatever you like, but we encourage all attendees to dress to impress! A fashion show is the perfect opportunity to showcase your personal style, so don’t hesitate to pull out a bold statement piece or your most stylish outfit.
If you’re unsure of what to wear, you can never go wrong with classic black—it’s sleek, timeless, and always chic.
Am I allowed backstage during hair and make-up from call time to showtime?
The Bureau requests that no parents are allowed backstage, but they have been flexible with us in the past. They physically cannot have everyone backstage as there will be multiple designers and models in a small space. If you want to check in and make sure things are going okay, we can work with you on that. But, we encourage you not to stay for the entire time. Allie will also be backstage the entire time, and will have assistants helping. We will also ask our older teen models to look out for our minis! Don't worry, everyone will be fine!
It's a long day for the girls! What do you recommend they have backstage?
See Emma’s video for a full rundown, but here are our top tips: definitely pack a bag with everything your child might need! Be sure to include extra makeup and hair supplies for touch-ups, plenty of snacks and water, and a pair of comfy shoes. The day can be long, but it’s so worth it! We also recommend using a bag with a zipper and labeling it with your child’s name to help keep everything secure and organized.
What can and can't I post on social media?
We are flexible! You can post whatever you like, including behind-the-scenes photos/videos before the show and iPhone photos and videos of the show. Be sure to tag us in your posts, stories, and reels! We love getting social media feedback on our fashion week designs before we decide what looks to bring into production next season!
How do I get photos and video from the Show?
The Bureau will provide us with runway photos and video of the show. We will give them to you via a Dropbox link 1-2 weeks after the show. We will also post the video on our YouTube Channel. There will also be opportunities for additional photos and editorial video for purchase. We will provide more information about that closer to the date.
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Relive the runway magic!
Catch all the highlights from our New York, Denver, Dallas, Miami, and Los Angeles fashion shows on our YouTube channel! Watch stunning performances, bold new collections, and unforgettable moments from the Dragonwing runway.