Runway Designer Application
All apparel designers are encouraged to apply to show during Austin Fashion Week. All designer applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis by the AFW Advisory Council.
Designers may choose to show anywhere between 3 and 20+ looks, so it doesn’t matter how small or big you are. Just use the opportunity to show Austin what you’ve got!
EVENT CONCEPT & SETUP
Austin Fashion Week is the longest-running fashion event in Texas and the 4th largest Fashion Week concept in the United States.
Our focus has been and always will be on emerging designers interested in launching or growing a brand for the Texas audience. We do this through group runway shows and pop up shops to highly engaged audiences in order to help keep costs down for the designer or label.
2025 marks the 17th anniversary for Austin Fashion Week!
Spring 2025 shows are May 8-10, 2025 at The Domain.
There will be 5 total runway shows. Thursday night, Friday night, two Saturday afternoon, and one Saturday night. The shows will be grouped thematically and audience sizes are similar for every show. Accepted designers will be assigned to a show as the themes are developed based on designer applications. Each show will feature 8-12 designers or approximately 100 total looks on the runway.
WE ARE ONLY SEEKING APPAREL DESIGNERS. If you are a jewelry or accessories designer interested in participating please view the participation section on “Pop Up Shops.”
APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINES
Applications to participate in Austin Fashion Week are due no later than March 25 for Spring 2025 shows. We highly encourage you to apply early as spots may fill before the application deadline. All applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and as they are submitted.
Once an application is received, the Austin Fashion Week Advisory Council will review the application and provide each brand with a yes, no or waitlist answer. Those that receive a yes answer will be placed under contract and billed for participation. All fees are due no later than April 15 for Spring 2025 shows. NOT ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CURATED TO SHOW.
DIVERSITY AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Austin Fashion Week is committed to having the most diverse series of shows possible. In order to ensure diversity, we work with partners to sometimes offer partial and full scholarships to participate as a runway designer in Austin Fashion Week. If you are in need of a scholarship, please include that information in your application.
PARTICIPATION FEES
Upon approval by the Advisory Council, you will be sent a contract. Once under contract, you may not be released for any reason and you will be billed for any participation fees due. The fee may be split into multiple payments but final fees are due by April 15 for Spring 2025 shows.
You may choose any of the following options:
- 3 Looks: $300
- 4-7 Looks: $500
- 8-11 Looks: $750
- 12-15 Looks: $1000
- 16-20 Looks: $1500
- More than 20 Looks: Please inquire
FEES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
- Professional, inclusive models cast by Austin Fashion Week (there are unique times where designers may need to provide their own models if model needs are specific and outside of our normal casting procedures)
- Professional hair and makeup for your model lineup (if you are providing your own models, you must also provide hair and makeup)
- Complete back of house production including dressers, runners, and more
- End of runway images with promotional rights for each look you show
- Profile page with links to your site and social media on the Austin Fashion Week website.
- 2 premium seated tickets for your show for guests. Other guests may purchase tickets.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].