Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Upcycling • Spec Sheet • Embellishment

Fashion Week

Term from Fashion Design industry explained for recruiters

Fashion Week is a major industry event where fashion designers and brands showcase their newest clothing collections to buyers, press, and influencers. These events typically happen twice a year in major fashion capitals like New York, London, Paris, and Milan. For fashion professionals, having experience with Fashion Week can mean they've worked behind the scenes, helped organize shows, or been involved in presenting collections. It's similar to a trade show or exhibition, but specifically for the fashion industry. When you see this on a resume, it usually indicates the candidate has hands-on experience with high-pressure, deadline-driven fashion industry events and understands how the fashion retail calendar works.

Examples in Resumes

Coordinated three seasons of Fashion Week shows for emerging designers

Managed backstage operations during New York Fashion Week

Led styling team for multiple Paris Fashion Week presentations

Assistant designer for brand's Fashion Week collection development

Typical job title: "Fashion Week Coordinators"

Also try searching for:

Fashion Show Coordinator Runway Show Producer Fashion Event Manager Fashion Show Director Fashion Week Producer Fashion Show Planner Backstage Manager

Where to Find Fashion Week Coordinators

Industry Organizations

• Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)
• Fashion Calendar
• IMG Fashion Events

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a major crisis during a Fashion Week show?

Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss crisis management plans, backup solutions for common problems (like model no-shows or garment damage), and maintaining calm under pressure while coordinating multiple teams.

Q: How do you manage the budget for a Fashion Week presentation?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of all cost aspects including venue, staffing, models, production, marketing, and how to allocate resources effectively while maintaining show quality.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's your process for coordinating with different vendors for a Fashion Week show?

Expected Answer: Should explain experience working with lighting, sound, staging, catering, security teams, and how to maintain timelines and communication between all parties.

Q: How do you ensure smooth backstage operations during a show?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating detailed schedules, managing dressing teams, coordinating hair and makeup, and maintaining organization in a fast-paced environment.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the key components of a Fashion Week show run-of-show document?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic elements like model lineup, music cues, lighting changes, and timing of looks.

Q: How do you assist in model casting and fittings for Fashion Week?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic understanding of model requirements, fitting schedules, measurement taking, and maintaining organized records of alterations needed.