Welcome to Fashion Week! The countdown is on!
It's Showtime!
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 show. 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 16th show 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
All models will need to purchase gold walking shoes for the 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:
If none of these options work, you are free to pick something similar to the images above.
Note: Given these shoes are open-toe, please be sure your toes are painted and not chipped!
Model Hoodie
Models are strongly encouraged to order a Dragonwing Model Hoodie to wear backstage during New York Fashion Week. This hoodie helps create a cohesive backstage look during rehearsals, call times, and all behind-the-scenes photos and BTS content captured throughout the show.
The Model Hoodie is provided at no additional cost. Models are only responsible for shipping. Hoodies are currently in stock and should be ordered as soon as possible to ensure arrival before fashion week.
Please use code MODELHOODIE at checkout to receive your model-only discount. Click here to purchase!
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 February 14th
Note: We will finalize this 1-2 days before the show as we get more details from The Bureau. But, this timeline is based on last season's schedule.
- 10:30AM – Rehearsal at or near the Venue
- 11:30AM – Fittings at Venue
- 12:00PM – Start time hair and make-up
- 1:30PM – Doors open for VIP ticketholders
- 2:15PM – Doors open for GA ticketholders
- 2:30PM – Showtime!
Showtime and Location
Showtime:
- Saturday, February 14th, 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 Bianca: Runway Coach for NYFW
Bianca is an 18-year-old Ambassador from Denver who also teaches runway lessons. She’s walked in over a dozen fashion shows and has taught runway lessons for us over the past few seasons, so she knows exactly how to help models feel comfortable, confident, and runway-ready.
Bianca is a senior in high school and currently applying to colleges, while juggling life as a dancer, singer, cellist and pianist. Bianca is also the Douglas County HS Varsity Dance Team Captain and brings a fun, encouraging energy to every lesson.
If you’re interested in booking a virtual runway lesson, email us or DM us on Instagram, and we’ll share Bianca’s number so you can text her directly to coordinate. You can also follow her on Instagram: @bianca_butterfly_model.
Runway Tips with Emma
To help you feel your absolute best on the runway, Emma, a 17-year old Ambassador from Denver, 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!
Runway, Backstage & Event Photography
The Bureau will provide runway photos and video of the show. In addition, we are excited to bring our Denver-based photographer, Jenn Lawler, with us to New York.
Professional photography from Jenn is included at no additional cost for all participating models. Jenn will be on site throughout New York Fashion Week capturing:
- Runway photography during the show
- Behind-the-scenes backstage
- Group and step-and-repeat photos before and after the show
This means you will receive high-quality, professionally shot images that are ideal for social media, portfolios and post-show promotion, without the need to book or pay for a separate photographer.
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 February—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. Last season, no parents were allowed backstage at Gotham Hall. Allie will 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. Jenn will also provide a link to her albums in the Instagram group chat!
Featured in:
Relive the runway magic!
Catch all the highlights from our New York, Denver, Dallas, Miami, and Los Angeles fashion shows on our YouTube channel, with over 1.6 million views and counting. Watch stunning performances, bold new collections, and unforgettable moments from the Dragonwing runway.