Breaking Into Fashion Weeks: Guide for Emerging Designers

Taking part in Fashion Week talent programs is a great method for emerging designers and brands to quickly establish themselves in the industry. This article includes an in-depth look of prominent emerging designer programmes at major Fashion Weeks across the world, as well as an explanation of how xNomad may help you maximise your brand visibility.

1. Paris Fashion Week

SPHERE – Paris Fashion Week® showroom

Organiser: Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode

About the Programme:

• gives up-and-coming designers the opportunity to present their designs at Paris Fashion Week.

Program Advantages:

• Display Possibilities: Showcase collections in a reputable, official location.

• Professional Support: Get opinions and guidance from professionals in the field.

• Media & Buyers: Make connections with world-class buyers and media.

How to Put Yourself Forward:

• Official Website: For information on how to apply, visit the SPHERE – Paris Fashion Week® showroom page.

• Application materials should consist of a portfolio, design concept, and brand summary.

• Eligibility: Needs to exhibit a mature design approach and creative creativity.

2. Berlin Fashion Week

Emerging Talent Support Programme

Organiser: Berlin Fashion Week Official Institution

About the Programme:

• a specific platform that helps up-and-coming designers into the European market.

Program Advantages:

• Showcase Support: Technical help and access to showcase areas.

• Make connections with experts in the European fashion scene through industry networking.

• Increase brand recognition in the European market through media exposure.

How to Put Yourself Forward:

• Visit the official website Berlin Fashion Week Talent Support .

• Application Resources: Send in your design and brand information online.

• Application Timeline: To find out when applications are due, visit the website.

3. Milan Fashion Week

Fashion Hub Market

Organiser: Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana

About the Programme:

• a venue for up-and-coming designers from around the world to present their collections during Milan Fashion Week.

Program Advantages:

• Exhibition Space: Put your goods on display in authorised locations.
• Networking in the Industry: Get to know global consumers, journalists, and fashion experts.
• Participation in Events: Throughout Fashion Week, go to a variety of business gatherings.

How to Put Yourself Forward:

• Official Website: Go to the Fashion Hub page of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana.

• Application Materials: Send in your business strategy, brand overview, and portfolio.

• All are welcome: Designers of any nationality are welcome.

4. New York Fashion Week

CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund

Organiser: Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue Magazine

About the Program:

• This foundation offers industry resources and financial support to up-and-coming American designers.

Program Advantages:

• Financial Assistance: Winners get significant cash payouts.
• Industry Mentorship: Individual advice from leading figures in the fashion industry.
• Opportunities to Showcase: During New York Fashion Week, showcase your work.

How to Put Yourself Forward:

• Official Website: Visit the Fashion Fund page of the CFDA to view application details.

• Brands must be registered and active in the US in order to be eligible.

• Application Materials: Provide your company plan, drawings, and brand history.

5. Copenhagen Fashion Week

NEWTALENT

Organiser: Copenhagen Fashion Week

About the Programme:

• The NEWTALENT is an opportunity for highlighting developing fashion talent, allowing new designers to display their designs at Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Program Advantages:

• Display Opportunities: Present collections on the official runway at Copenhagen Fashion Week.

• Professional Support: Access to industry mentors who can provide advice on many parts of the business.

• journalists & Buyers: Connect with international buyers, journalists, and fashion industry leaders.

How to Put Yourself Forward:

• Official website: For more information, see Copenhagen Fashion Week.

• Application materials: A portfolio, design concept, and brand vision are usually required for submission.

• Eligibility: Must demonstrate a long-term design strategy, a strong creative vision, and a good business plan.

6. London Fashion Week

NEWGEN Programme

Organiser: British Fashion Council

About the Program:

• NEWGEN is a leading support program for up-and-coming designers in the UK that aims to develop the next big fashion stars.

Program Advantages:

• Opportunities for Showcases: Include runway performances or static exhibits in the formal timetable.

• Financial Support: Availability of funds for marketing and production.

• Professional Guidance: Mentoring in business and creativity from professionals in the field.

• Media Exposure: Use official channels to increase brand awareness.

How to Put Yourself Forward:

• Official Website: For information on how to apply, see the British Fashion Council's NEWGEN page.

• Application Materials: Send in a business strategy, portfolio, and brand profile.

• Application Period: Usually, applications open in the spring and autumn of each year; keep an eye on the website for updates.

7. Shanghai Fashion Week

LABELHOOD

Organiser: Shanghai Fashion Week Official Institution

About the Programme:

• LABELHOOD, one of the most significant platforms in Asia, nurtures up-and-coming designers.

Program Advantages:

• Launch Opportunities: During the official schedule, have a new collection launch.

• Commercial networking: Work together with consumers, retail establishments, and online retailers.

• Promotional Support: Increase brand awareness through media coverage across multiple channels.

How to Put Yourself Forward:

• Official Website: Visit the LABELHOOD website to find application details.

• Application Materials: Offer a market strategy, designs, and a brand narrative.

• Emerging Asian designers are eligible.

8. Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo

TOKYO FASHION AWARD

Organiser: Leading Japanese fashion authorities

About the Programme:

• helps up-and-coming Japanese designers by giving them a platform to grow globally.

Program Advantages:

• Possibilities for Showcase: Display collections during international and Tokyo Fashion Weeks.

• Funding & Resources: Get business resources and financial assistance.

• Media Publicity: Increase brand awareness in national and international media.

How to Put Yourself Forward:

• Japanese nationals or designers working in Japan are eligible.

• Application Materials: Provide thorough information about your brand and collection.

• Official Website: Visit the TOKYO FASHION AWARD website to submit an application.

Didn’t Get Into a Fashion Week Programme?

No worries! There are other ways to shine and showcase your talent. Pop-up stores, showrooms, and collaborations offer fantastic opportunities to grow your network and elevate your brand. At xNomad, we provide flexible spaces and tailored support to help you stand out:

• Pop-Up Stores: Prime venues in fashion hubs like Paris and New York, available for short or long-term rentals.

• Showrooms: Host buyer meetings, press events, or product launches in professional, brand-aligned spaces.

• Brand Activation: Plan impactful events, boost your digital visibility, and gain actionable insights through analytics.

Ready to make an impression? Let’s get started today!