International Fashion Week front row

About IFW

Defining Global Style Since 1999

Our Mission

International Fashion Week exists to celebrate the full spectrum of fashion — from the emerging designer showing their first collection to the iconic house presenting its hundredth. We believe that fashion is one of the most powerful forms of human expression, and that the runway is its most concentrated stage.

To unite the world's most visionary designers with the global audience they deserve.

A Quarter Century of Fashion

Founded in 1999 with a single season in New York and Paris, International Fashion Week has grown into the world's most comprehensive fashion platform. Today we present more than 500 designers across five cities and four seasons each year.

1999
Founded in New York and Paris with 42 designers
2003
Expanded to Milan and London
2008
Tokyo joins the circuit, completing the global five
2012
Digital streaming reaches 50 million viewers
2018
Launched the Emerging Designers Program
2024
500+ designers across five cities

What We Stand For

01

Inclusivity

Fashion belongs to everyone. We actively seek designers from underrepresented backgrounds and communities.

02

Craft

We celebrate the skill, time, and intention that goes into every garment — from the hand-stitched couture gown to the precisely engineered sportswear piece.

03

Vision

We platform designers who are pushing fashion forward — who see clothing not just as product, but as idea.

04

Sustainability

We are committed to reducing the environmental footprint of our events and to championing designers who share that commitment.

Leadership

Isabelle Fontaine
Executive Director

Isabelle Fontaine

Former creative director at three of Paris's most storied houses, Isabelle has led International Fashion Week since 2015.

Marcus Chen
Director of Programming

Marcus Chen

Marcus oversees the selection of designers across all five cities and four seasons, bringing a global perspective shaped by 20 years in fashion.

Amara Osei
Director of Emerging Talent

Amara Osei

Amara founded the Emerging Designers Program in 2018 and has championed over 200 new voices in fashion.

Join the Circuit

Whether you are a designer, press, buyer, or sponsor, there is a place for you at International Fashion Week.