The Cost To Attend
If you don’t fall into any of the invited groups and you want to actually buy a ticket, you will be disappointed to know that your pickings are pretty slim. The general rule of thumb is that you can’t pay to attend. However, that doesn’t mean that there is no hope. Here are a few other ways that you might be able to get in:
Book A Hotel Package
Some New York hotels occasionally offer fashion week package deals that include your room and complimentary passes to attend a few of the fashion week shows. For instance, W New York Hotel in Manhattan offers a VIP Catwalk option that provides reserved seats for two guests to attend one of the popular fashion shows, along with a backstage tour. Only one package is offered each day of fashion week, so you have to book way in advance.
The cost for this package, which also includes a night’s stay in a hotel suite, can be had for $899.
Get A Press Pass
A select number of fashion journalists who work for prestigious publications and media outlets are able to attend fashion week, but must receive prior approval to be included on the list. Usually, members of the press must submit a request that includes their credentials and sometimes even samples of their work. The designers often have the last say as to which press people they want to cover their shows, so entry isn’t guaranteed (unless you work for one of the big fashion names, such as Harpers Bazaar or Vogue).
There is a registration cost for the press members who are approved, which is $90 per person. (The fee is discounted to $65 if you apply well in advance.)
Purchase Special American Express Tickets
American Express recently launched a new program to offer special access to fashion week to premier cardholders. Starting at $250 per person to view two fashion shows, participants get VIP-style treatment from a special hospitality suite/sky box where food and drinks will be served. Only a very limited numbers of these special spots are available, though. There are also a few special packages costing $700 that buys card members a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go behind-the-scenes at the fashion shows and also have their hair and makeup done alongside the models. (You can also cash in American Express points to “purchase” this package if you are lucky enough to have racked up enough.)
Attend A Specialty Show
In addition to the Bryant Park ready-to-wear fashion shows, a number of specialized shows are also held around the city as part of the fashion week events. For instance, a series of special Couture Fashion Week shows are 
held at the Westin Times Square and the St. Regis Hotel New York to showcase custom luxury clothing designed by international couture designers. Three to four couture shows a day are held over a three-day period. Unlike the main fashion week activities, tickets for these more specialized events are made available to the general public. There are several price categories, depending on your budget and your goals. For standing room, the price starts at $35 for one show, while general admission seats start at $75 for one show. For VIP seats in the front row, you can expect to spend $170 for one show. In addition, if you have money to splurge, you can purchase platinum VIP seating that adds a special dinner, limo and everything included for $1,595 for the entire three days of all of the shows. For this price, you will have something to talk about for years to come.
