Fashion Goes Public

In many cities all over the world, a fashion week is held semi-annually to showcase designer labels and set the trends for the upcoming season. However, one global trend popping up in this year's fashion weeks has nothing to do with clothing itself. What was once an opportunity for buyers, journalists and select clientele to preview collections, fashion weeks are becoming more and more welcoming to industry outsiders like shoppers and tourists.

The latest example can be found in New York's hosting of Fashion's Night Out 2010. This event, aimed at reviving slow sales in fashion merchandise, appeals to the general public by allowing everyday people to interact with current models, designers and celebrities during September's fashion week. Who wouldn't want the chance to see style icons Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen at a Barney's karaoke event or get an autograph from designer Michael Kors? By combining the act of shopping with anything from free manicures to dog competitions, Fashion's Night Out was able to connect the public to New York Fashion Week in an extraordinary way.

Similarly, Copenhagen Fashion Week hosted the popular "The World's Greatest Catwalk." Those in charge of fashion week set out to break the world record for the longest catwalk. The runway was set up in downtown Copenhagen and amateur models from all over Europe competed against each other for a chance to walk it. Even though the contest excluded those of certain age groups and heights, the idea of allowing the public to participate in such a great event got all of Europe buzzing over Copenhagen in August. Former Danish supermodel, Helena Christensen kicked off the show with a speech to the 220 participating models and the crowd of about 100,000 public observers.

Not every fashion week provides opportunities like these; however, most of the major cities with recent fashion events hosted at least one event that all can enjoy. Stockholm Fashion Week held open gallery shows for several designer collections and London Fashion Week held Fashion Fête, a large public party with fashion-themed games and activities. This ongoing pattern of including ordinary fashion fans in fashion week activities has some wondering if the tradition of fashion week exclusivity is being lost, while others are celebrating their chance to participate in the world of fashion.