How To Throw A Fabulous Fashion Week Party

by David Litwak | 2025-09-26

Since its start in 1943, New York Fashion Week has been the city’s most glamorous and exclusive biannual event. Born out of Eleanor Lambert’s vision to spotlight American designers during World War II, it set the stage for decades of runway moments that were once reserved for editors, buyers, and celebrities. By the ’90s, the paparazzi were everywhere, and fans crowded outside the tents at Bryant Park just to glimpse the style elite.

But today, Fashion Week is more open than ever. Livestreams, pop-ups, ticketed shows, and public events have brought the energy of the runway closer to everyone. Which means you don’t have to be Anna Wintour to join the fun; you can create your own Fashion Week magic.

If you’re ready to channel the glamour, energy, and creativity of NYFW, here’s how to throw a fabulous Fashion Week party that feels every bit as unforgettable as the real show.

Cocktail in hand, shimmer in tow — the sparkle of Fashion Week captured in a single frame.

Set the Stage with Chic Décor

When it comes to decorating for a fashion party, the world is your oyster. You might choose sleek, modern décor that gives an urban art museum feel, or fill the space with colors, flowers, and everything wonderfully flamboyant. Just like fashion, there’s no one-size-fits-all for your décor. Simply use your favorite colors and materials. Make your space the canvas and design it however you want. While it can get expensive depending on how elaborate you go, you can usually find affordable party supplies if you know where to look.

Offer Light Party Refreshments

A fashion party isn’t the place for heavy meals, so avoid messy foods like spaghetti or oil-dressed salads. Stick to neat options that won’t stain. Finger foods such as deviled eggs, cucumber bites, or toothpick skewers like meatballs are easy and stylish choices.

Classics like cheese boards and veggie trays always work well. For drinks, serve sparkling wine (preferably no reds), along with tasty mocktails, cocktails like cosmos, and tea — hot or iced.

Create the Mood with Music and Scent

Music at a fashion party should be upbeat, catchy, and fun. If you want dancing, turn up the energy with a strong playlist. If you prefer easy conversation, keep the volume lower. The vibe depends on your taste, but a well-planned playlist is key.

Guests glowing in all-black chic, raising a glass to a night where style and community collide at Maxwell.

Scent can also transform the room. Light scented candles to make the space more inviting. Cocktail-inspired candles add a playful touch, while floral notes keep things fresh and elegant. Together, music and fragrance set the tone for a truly memorable night.

Add Fun Fashion-Themed Activities

A fashion party is already exciting for friends who love dressing up and showing off their style. That alone makes it worth celebrating, but a few fashion-specific activities can take it to the next level.

Turn your party into a mini runway show. Crank up your playlist and let guests strut their best looks down your hallway or living room. Use a bedroom as the changing room so everyone can get into their favorite outfit before the big reveal. For extra laughs, invite friends to bring their boldest, most outrageous getups for a comedic set. Whatever direction you choose, it’s sure to create fun memories and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

Maxwell has seen this magic play out firsthand. During Fashion Week, Le Alfré transformed our house into a space where the runway blurred into a party. Guests mingled, tried on pieces, and discovered how fashion becomes more fun when it’s interactive. That’s the secret: it’s not just about watching style, it’s about living it.

Le Alfré turned our house into their own playground, styling signature pieces into the room itself.

Encourage Guest Participation

Think about how you’d like your guests to contribute to the party. You might ask each person to bring a snack to share or make it BYOB. If you’re planning a fashion exchange, let them know to bring clothing, shoes, jewelry, or accessories they’re ready to part with — plus an empty bag to take home new finds. For a fashion show, invite everyone to arrive in their favorite outfit or bring extras to change into for the runway.

Choose your guest list with care, prioritizing friends who truly enjoy fashion, but don’t exclude those who might not be as invested. Sometimes, these events can be the perfect spark for someone to discover a new passion.

Fashion gatherings stand out when guests get to be part of the action. At Maxwell, Le Alfré’s Fashion Week takeover invited people not just to slip into their latest pieces and trade styling ideas, but also to leave the night with new friendships and often a new favorite shirt.

All Set to Host a Fantastic Fashion Party?

Every step of planning your fashion party should feel enjoyable. The key to being a great host is putting thought and care into the details while staying flexible enough to welcome the unexpected. At the end of the day, the goal is simple: you and your guests have a fashionably good time.

If you want your Fashion Week party to feel bigger than just a gathering, Maxwell is where it happens.

From our Garden Room, which has transformed into a cocktail lounge buzzing with conversation, to the Grand Room, which has hosted fashion takeovers and VIP dinners, Maxwell’s spaces are built to evolve with your ideas.

Book a tour of Maxwell and see how Maxwell can set the stage for your own Fashion Week moment.

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HOTELS NEARBY

Foquets, Greenwich Hotel, Arlo Soho, The Roxy, Soho Grand, The Frederick Hotel, Warren St Hotel, The Dominick, Hotel Hugo

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The Odeon, Locanda Verde, Forgione, l'abeille, Wolfgang's Steakhouse, Yves, Mr Chows

Ready to join the family? We can’t wait to host you.

Ready to join the family? We can’t wait to host you.

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