How much a runway show really costs (2024)

FAQs

How much a runway show really costs? ›

Depending on the brand's economic possibilities and the artistic, marketing, and communication choices made, a US-based show can cost, on average, between $10,000 and $300,000. Many of these figures could make your head spin, but there is no limit to creativity.

A runway show costs anywhere between $10 million to $20 million to produce, and this is without the cost of the clothing involved. That number is hard to come by because fashion shows are privately held events. So no one really knows what it costs to put one together.

But getting there takes an enormous investment. Even a basic show in New York can run from $100,000 to $300,000, while at the highest end, shows can cost millions. Plus, return on investment is hard to measure. “It's one of the hardest budgets to plan and to make ends meet on.

NYFW includes two types of shows: Industry and open-to-the-public shows. Unless you're a buyer or work in press, it is unlikely that you'll be able to snag a seat to the heavy hitters. However, you can find info on public shows here.

First, they may charge venue rental fees to the fashion brands who wish to participate. Second, they may take a percentage of ticket sales. And finally, for fashion show finances, they may also sell advertising and sponsorships to companies who want to be associated with the event.

You could earn between $200–$1,000, or, instead of payment, get to keep some clothing from the show. Gabriela Pierantoni, the owner of Corestone Models, says experienced runway models could earn $500–$2,500 per show. Supermodels, on the other hand, could make up to $20,000 for a runway show.

Taylor Stewart risked her modeling career to expose the mistreatment she said she and other industry pros experienced during New York Fashion Week — where she didn't receive a penny working seven shows.

While most of the runway shows for major brands, like Coach and Michael Kors, are by invitation-only for editors, buyers, stylists and other fashion industry players, there are still ways for the general public who are interested in fashion to attend and participate in New York Fashion Week.

In terms of usefulness, fashion shows can be helpful for people who work in the fashion industry, such as designers, buyers, and stylists, as they provide insight into new collections and the direction that the industry is taking.

Do runway models get free clothes? ›

Do runway models get to keep the clothing after the fashion show? No. They are hired just to show off the clothing items They get paid money and nothing else.

Supermodel Gisele Bündchen is the highest-ranked model on Forbes earning lists as of 2023, in different measurements, including the largest string of appearances on the top, and the highest sum registered ($47 million in 2014).

Since earning the title of the world's highest-paid model in 2018, Kendall Jenner has held this position for the past four years. In addition to her earnings from numerous runway shows and campaigns, the model also generates a significant income from her appearances on “Keeping Up With The Kardashians”.

As of Apr 3, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Gucci Model in the United States is $45.71 an hour.

Building a runway is even more complex than building a major highway/motorway, which has similar demands in terms of the need for an extremely well engineered surface, high levels of quality control in the materials used, and superior drainage.

Hosting a show at New York Fashion Week can cost anywhere from $125,000 to upwards of $300,000 — not including the price of samples. Costs can skyrocket when a designer decides to show in a custom venue. Designers say that shows are essential for communicating a brand's vision, but evaluating ROI is difficult.

According to Monthly Portland, Project Runway does not pay the contestants and many find themselves having to quit their jobs to be on the show. The winner may get a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, a new car, $50,000 in design software, and $100,000 to start a new clothing line.