THE 29TH ANNUAL BOSTON FASHION WEEK
SEPTEMBER 30 — OCTOBER 7, 2023
PRE-BFW23
Fashionably Late: Graciela Rivas
Fall 2023 Season Opener
Thursday, September 21, 2023, 9 pm
Free
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
The Liberty Hotel
215 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114
IG: @gracielarivascollection @liberty_hotel
Beats by DJ SKOOLYAHD start at 9 pm.
Our Fashionably Late 2023 Fall Season begins with looks by GRACIELA RIVAS at 10 pm.
Come and partake in signature cocktails, revel in music, dance, and immerse yourself in the realm of fashion in our iconic lobby.
For table reservation call Clink at 617.224.4004
It's a free event, and people can RSVP or book a table.
Purposeful Fashion Tour and Mixer
Friday, September 23, 2023, 1 pm
Free - $25
Bogosplit - Assembly Row
335 Canal Street, Somerville, MA 02145
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
IG: @Bogosplit @mindswithpurpose
@timesfashion23 @e11venboston
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Fashion Experience! In anticipation of the exciting Boston Fashion Week 2023, we've curated a day filled with fun, fashion, and local flair! This event is a vibrant showcase of the thriving fashion scene just outside Boston's doorstep, and it's all happening with Bogosplit and Minds with Purpose.
What to Expect:
Discover Local Boutiques: Explore and shop at newly opened local businesses in the charming Somerville, MA area.
Network and Connect: Connect with fellow fashion enthusiasts and local entrepreneurs who are shaping the fashion landscape.
Flexible Participation: You have the option to choose your level of participation on Saturday 09/23/2023. Feel free to attend all the events or drop by just one!
Schedule for the Day:
Mimosas Sip and Shop: Start your day at the newly opened Times Fashion Boutique on Broadway St. in Somerville, MA from 1-2 PM. Enjoy mimosas, shopping, and a micro fashion show.
Streetwear Extravaganza: Visit the newly opened E11ven in Assembly Row, Somerville MA from 3:30-4:30 PM for the latest in streetwear styles and sneakers.
Purposeful Mixer: Conclude the evening in style at Bogosplit-Assembly Row, Somerville MA from 5-7 PM. Experience a special fashion showcase presented by Styles by Tahanee and Oblige Boutique.
This is your opportunity to support local businesses, indulge in fashion, and make lasting connections within the local fashion community. Join us for a day and evening that celebrates creativity and style like never before!
Dress for Success Boston and Project Smile
Friday, September 29, 2023, 6 pm
Tickets $100
The Shops at Chestnut Hill
199 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
IG: @project_smile_cp
Hosted by Shanya Seymour of Channel 5 News and Ramiro from HOT 96.9, United in Style will feature men & women from the community as well as prominent Bostonians modeling the latest looks from Shops at Chestnut Hill retailers, along with entertainment, a silent auction and cocktail party. Complimentary welcome cocktail included with ticket purchase. All proceeds benefit Dress for Success Boston and Project Smile.
Boston Fashion Week 2023 is dedicated
to the memory of a local fashion legend.
Event producer, stylist, author, and our friend
Mary Garthe
The ultimate professional role model.
The embodiment of grace, style, charm, patience, and hard work.
And a smart, savvy, successful businesswoman.
Mary, you will be missed.
BFW23
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Science X Fashion
Cambridge Science Festival / Fashion Day
OPENING DAY! Saturday, September 30, 2023
Free
Multiple Locations
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
IG: @cambscifest
Cambridge Science Festival partners once again with Boston Fashion Week to present a dynamic program of science-focused fashion content. During the day, a series of workshops at The Foundry, led by local fashion innovators and organizations, and an expert panel discussion, sponsored by Swissnex, at the MIT Museum. In the evening, CSF and BFW team up with ILLUMINUS to present an immersive runway experience, part fashion show, part light installation, and part live performance.
Clothing Drive
Fixit Clinic
The Science of Smart Textiles
Creating Fabric Prints with AI
Facetopo: The Future of Beauty
Wearable Lights
Boston Smart Fashion Week: Science is Sexy
Impulse- The Immersive Runway Show and Performance
Featuring:
Ganit Goldstein - @ganitgoldstein
Graciela Rivas Collection - @gracielarivascollection
Lalla Bee - @lalla.bee
Nathalia JMag - @nathaliajmag
Queen Adeline - @queenadelinecollection
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1
Join Boston Fashion Week’s
“SUNDAY BEST” challenge!
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Newbury Street will be car-free from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue.
Show off your personal style on the city’s mile-long fashion runway during Open Newbury on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
— Strike a pose!
— Frame your shot!
— Post a pic!
— Tag us!
We’ll be reposting the best of local street style throughout the rest of Boston Fashion Week.
Take advantage of this pedestrian-only day on Newbury Street to stroll in style and post to prove how fashionable our city is because you’re in it!
This is also a great opportunity for local designers, photographers, and other fashion professionals (fashion students too!) to flex their fashion muscle!
More about Open Newbury:
OEX Model Citizen Award
Sunday, October 1, 2023, 2:30 pm
Free
Online: http://www.o2ex.org
@theoexteam
The OEX Team will present its first Super MODEL Citizen Award to Dr. Gaurdia Banister, an executive at Massachusetts General Brigham and a long time resident of Charlestown Navy Yard who will be graciously retiring her post this year. Dr. Banister is being recognized not only for her outstanding credentials, but for her soft-spoken sophisticated style; her bedside manner, and her benevolent heart that's loved and mentored many. Join us virtually at www.o2ex.org to see how fashion is more than clothes. Fashion is a legacy lifestyle, customized by you!
MONDAY, OCTOBER 2
How Sustainable Fashion Can Help Save the Planet
Monday, October 2, 2023, 5:30 pm
CitySpace Tickets
Premiere: $25.00 (includes reserved seating in the front of the theater)
General: $15.00
Student: $5.00
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
IG: @wburcityspace @queenadelinecollection @h3nryhawk @ganitgoldstein
Fashion is one of the most environmentally damaging industries. It is responsible for 20% of global wastewater, and 10% of carbon emissions and uses more energy than the aviation and shipping sectors combined. Less than 1% of clothes are recycled and 53 million metric tons of discarded clothing are incinerated or go to landfills each year. The emergence of “fast fashion” has only exacerbated these harmful statistics. But a new crop of designers is emerging.
They use progressive production methods, innovative inventions (3-D), and natural fibers to create long-lasting clothes.
Meet local designers at CitySpace! Ganit Goldstein, an MIT-trained designer, Queen Allotey-Papoe, founder of the sustainable fashion brand Queen Adeline, and Henry Hawk, who designs entirely from secondhand, vintage, and deadstock fabric, will join us for a conversation about their approach to sustainable fashion.
Plus, see their work in photos, videos, and up-close as they walk on our runway.
Boston Fashion Awards
Monday, October 2, 2023, 7 pm
Tickets: $60-$120
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
IG: @Boston.Fashion.Awards
The Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
450 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210
The 2023 Boston Fashion Awards will be a LIVE event that celebrates the fashion industry in and around the Boston area. Featuring fashion showcases, live performances, and lots of networking!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3
Kilsy Curiel
Locations announced for city-wide AR activations of AI fashion imagery by digital artist Kilsy Curiel.
Download the Hoverlay AR app early!
Getting the app on your phone is the key to unlocking fashion content around the city!
IG: @kilsypix @hoverlayar
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4
MassArt Fashion presents Thinking in Time
Celebrating MassArt 150 years
Reception: Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 6:30 pm
The garments will be displayed at Copley Place from September 29 through October 12, 2023
Copley Place Mall - Level 1
Address: 100 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116
Free
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
IG: @massartboston @copleyplacema
Thinking in Time is a selection of sophomore work from MassArt Fashion Design students created in Spring 2023 for a Concept Collection honoring MassArt 150 years.
About the work: Students chose an item from the Fashion Archive as a starting point of inspiration. The brief was to look at past garments up close, to appreciate the craft, design, shape, and textile as well as the time frame and purpose for which they were created. Students then fused that inspiration with their own unique personal experiences and design choices to develop a five-look collection with a 3D realization of one of those designs.
New Vestures Designer Studio, Open House
October 05, 2023, 5:00 PM
In House Designers:
Daniela Bascuñan, Frolic Design
Diana Jaye Coluntino, Just Add People
Guest Designers:
Matthew Wolterding, Heavy Souls
Gwen Riemer, GRiemer Designs
New Vestures Design Studio
The Landing at Everett Mills
15 Union St. #458, Lawrence, MA 01840
Free
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
IG: @JustAddPeopleFashion, @Frolicdesign, @heavysouls. @griemerdesigns
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5
Fabricating the Future of Fashion
Sustainable Designer Showcase and Fashion Show
[#teencentral]
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Boston Public Library - Central Branch/Copley Square
700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Free
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
IG: @bplboston
Are you interested in learning more about sustainable and experimental design practices in fashion? Come celebrate local artists and designers in the Boston area to see and learn about their inspiration, practices, and designs. Varying from student and e-textile designers to fiber sculptors, this showcase will open you to all the ways that sustainability can take form in fashion.
Suitable for: All Adults, College Students, and Teens (Ages 13-18)
The Sustainable Designer Showcase will take place in Teen Central and is the second of two hour-long, back-to-back events which will begin with a panel and Q&A in Rabb Hall.
Attendance in the Panel and Q&A is NOT necessary to see the Designer Showcase, and registrants of the Panel are not obliged to attend the Showcase.
Every Body Belongs : Boston Embraces the Curve
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 7 pm
Boston Marriott Long Wharf
The Harbor View Ballroom
296 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
Tickets: $40-$75
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
IG: @bigdaybesties, @humankindcasting, @dynastymodelsinc
Join Ashley Gregory of Big Day Besties, Kristie Raymond of HumanKind casting, and the team at Dynasty Models for Boston's first-ever CURVE ONLY runway fashion show! Overlooking the beautiful Boston Harbor at the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel, the event features local designers including Bloom Lingerie, Looks by Lopez, and others who are embracing the diversity of shapes in a woman's silhouette.
Guests will be treated to a signature cocktail from Velo vodka, passed hors d’oeuvres, an exciting fashion show, and an opportunity to network with others in the fashion industry. The night caps off with music by our DJ sponsor, 617 Weddings, with beats to get us all on the dance floor!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6
GLAMSLAM
Friday, October 6, 2023
Door 5:30, Show 6:30 pm
WBUR CitySpace
890 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
Tickets:
Premiere: $25.00 (includes reserved seating in the front of the theater)
General: $15.00
Student: $5.00
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
IG: @WBURCitySpace @bethanyvandelft
Join us for GlamSlam, a storytelling event featuring local fashion professionals sharing significant moments in their careers.
GlamSlam speakers have tugged at our heartstrings, made us laugh, inspired us, and most importantly shown us how meaningful and rewarding the work fashion professionals do can be. You won’t want to miss this powerful evening of fashion stories.
Bethany Van Delft, the most glamorous, funny person in Boston, will emcee the event.
2023 Featured Fashion Storytellers:
Queen Allotey-Pappoe, Fashion Designer
Valerie Fletcher, Executive Director, Institute for Human Centered Design
Velicia Gourdin, Illustrator
Sara Hartman, Program Director of Creative Entrepreneurship at MassArt
David Josef, Fashion Designer
Jeff Lahens, Owner, 9 Tailors
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7
It’s been a long week!
Treat yourself to some quality binge-watching, a film, and/or some great new fashion books!
FASHION TV
The Super Models
In the ’80’s, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turliington became fashion icons—then transended their industry by uniting. This is the story of how they claimed their power and shaped the world that followed
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
FASHION TV
Donyale Luna: Supermodel
Donyale Luna: Supermodel chronicles the remarkable life and career of Donyale Luna, the first Black model to grace the cover of both Harper's Bazaar and Vogue. Born Peggy Ann Freeman in Detroit, Michigan, Luna became a larger-than-life character who broke barriers in the fashion industry, challenged the prevailing ideals of beauty, and influenced culture — all before her untimely death at age 33.
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
FASHION FILM
Invisible Beauty
This documentary presents a vision of the fashion industry through the eyes of Bethann Hardison — a model, agent, and champion of Black representation.
In theatres.
BOOKS: FASHION + HISTORY
Ann Lowe: American Couturier
The definitive illustrated volume on the work and life of Ann Lowe, a consummate couturier who designed lavish evening and bridal gowns for members of America’s social registry, a Black woman working hard behind the scenes whose important legacy has remained underappreciated—until now.
At the height of her fashion career, Ann Lowe’s luxurious and opulent evening gowns and bridal wear were sold in upscale department stores across the country. At various times Lowe owned salons on Madison Avenue. She made Jackie Kennedy’s wedding and bridesmaids’ dresses, but, upon arrival at the Auchincloss estate on the big day, the butler directed Lowe to enter via the service entrance (she refused). Throughout her lifetime (c. 1898–1981), her major contributions to American style were unrecognized.
Vivid new photography of Lowe’s couture gowns—including lush details of her exquisite handwork and signature floral embellishments—accompany essays that explore the trials and achievements of Lowe’s life, contextualize her work within fashion history, profile Black designers whose work reflects her influence, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary efforts to preserve Lowe’s gowns.
BOOKS: FASHION + SPORT
Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion
Equal parts photo-rich lookbook, and cultural commentary, Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion is the story of the extraordinary intersection of high fashion and basketball, from the league's inception to today, and celebrates the iconic style of NBA athletes.
Each chapter explores the style of an era and the cultural influences that shaped it: The league’s inception in 1949, pre-Civil Rights Movement, when the NBA was mostly comprised of white players who wore suits and skinny ties. The years following the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the birth of funk and R&B when basketball fashion got flashier (think Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Wilt Chamberlain wearing fur coats and big hats). The Michael Jordan era of the 1980s and 1990s, with its oversized suits. The epic Iverson/Hip-Hop years of the late 1990s and early 2000s. And now to today, a time defined not only by social media and high fashion’s birthing of the tunnel walk (think LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Russell Westbrook) but one in which athletes are idealized as style icons and activists, figures who inspire conversations beyond how they play and what they wear.
BOOKS: FASHION + DANCE
New York City Ballet:
Choreography & Couture
Celebrating the art forms of ballet and fashion, this beautiful book explores the creative collaborations between New York City Ballet and the top fashion designers of our age, including Virgil Abloh, Christopher John Rogers, Anna Sui, and Valentino, among others.
Featuring more than thirty contemporary fashion designers, New York City Ballet Choreography & Couture highlights their distinctive work for ballet. From the shorts suits of Thom Browne accommodating the movement of dancers, and the leather harness detailing of Prabal Gurung to the baroque flounces of Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen or the jewel-encrusted slip dresses of Carolina Herrera, this enchanting volume highlights how fashion design is adapted for dance to amplify movement and music.
The stunning photography by Pari Dukovic features breathtaking images of the dancers in motion, along with detail shots highlighting the couture elements of the costumes. Author Marc Happel, NYCB’s Director of Costumes, has collected the designers’ original sketches along with quotes discussing their process and inspiration for each ballet. A foreword by Sarah Jessica Parker, and essays by Tonne Goodman of Vogue and Patricia Mears of FIT further illuminate the creative collaborations between design and dance.
New York City Ballet, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, has been collaborating with prominent fashion designers since its inception. From the first Fall Fashion Gala in 2012 when renowned choreographers Peter Martins and Christopher Wheeldon collaborated with Valentino, through the present, these ballets are celebrated as collaborations between choreographers and some of the biggest names in fashion. Now New York City Ballet Choreography & Couture brings ten years of artistic vision to life.
POST-BFW23
Fashioned by Sargent
Oct 8, 2023 - Jan 15, 2024
Who creates your image?
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
In portraits by John Singer Sargent (1856–1925), sitters assume elegant stances, the fabric of their dress richly depicted in broad, sensuous strokes of paint. Sargent brought his subjects to life, but he did much more than simply record what appeared before him. He often chose what his sitters wore and, even if they arrived in his studio dressed in the latest fashions, he frequently simplified and altered the details. Exploiting dress was an integral part of his artistry.
Organized with Tate Britain, “Fashioned by Sargent” explores the artist’s complex relationship with his often-affluent clients and their clothes. The exhibition reveals Sargent’s power over his sitters’ images by considering the liberties he took with sartorial choices to express distinctive personalities, social positions, professions, gender identities, and nationalities. Alongside about 50 paintings by Sargent, over a dozen period garments and accessories shed new light on the relationship between fashion and this beloved artist’s creative practice.
“The coat is the picture,” Sargent once told Graham Robertson, clearly articulating the role dress played in his work. The exhibition features Robertson’s portrait as well as style icons like Madame X, Lady Agnew, and Dr. Pozzi at Home. Visitors can also see several paintings together with the garments worn by the sitters, among them Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth with her beetle-wing-encrusted costume, and Mrs. Charles Inches (Louise Pomeroy) with her red velvet evening gown. Step into the making of a Sargent portrait and consider ideas of curating—and controlling—one’s image.
ALE: A Lavish Experience Rooftop Fashion Show
October 08, 2023, 4:00 PM
Revere Hotel Boston Common
200 Stuart St, Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Tickets: $40-$50
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
IG: @lavishlivingclo
Join us for an unforgettable evening. Get ready to indulge in a night of luxury, glamour, and excitement in support of New Hampshire Breast Cancer Coalition. A portion of ticket sales will go towards NHBCC. We invite you to experience the epitome of opulence at this exclusive event. The Revere Hotel Rooftop offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. As you step onto the rooftop, you'll be greeted by a vibrant atmosphere and a stylish crowd. Immerse yourself in the lavish ambiance as you sip on handcrafted cocktails, enjoy delectable bites, and come together in spirit of Boston Fashion Week.
Featured Designers:
Lavish Living
Ashley Clark
Oblige ME
Life's Crazy
Hosted by Mikey V and Comedian Nick Yousif
Whether you're looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to an extraordinary night out, ALE promises to deliver an experience like no other. Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event. Grab your friends, dress to impress, and get ready to be dazzled.
HOUSE FASHION WEEK
Saturday, October 11-14, 2023
Free
Massart DMC
621 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
IG: @housefashionweek
Join us for the most anticipated fashion event of the year, House Fashion Week - The Shows. Featuring designers from across the US, providing a platform to showcase their collections. Since its inception in 2022, HFW is becoming the premier fashion event in the city of Boston.
Runway shows and events from HFW bring you inside the intriguing world of fashion. Discover the newest designs, patterns, and colors that will dominate the runway. From avant-garde creations to classic elegance, this event promises to cater to every fashion taste. Whether you are a fashionista, a trendsetter, or simply curious about the latest fashion trends, House Fashion Week -. Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness the fusion of art, creativity, and style!
October 11 - Fashion Installation
October 12 - Panel Discussion
October 13 - The Collective Shows
October 14 - The Main Show
SFD Tour & Info Session
See yourself at the School of Fashion Design!
Saturday, October 14, 2023, 10 am-Noon
This event begins promptly at 10 am.
Please allow time for parking and entrance to the building.
FREE but registration is required.
School of Fashion Design, Boston
31 St. James Avenue, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02116
IG: @sfdbos
TO REGISTER CLICK HERE
Tour our studio classrooms. Watch faculty demos in sewing, pattern making, and computer-aided design. Talk to the Admissions staff. Learn about our fashion curriculum, certificate program, continuing education, and high school programs.
BOSTON EN VOGUE
Saturday, October 14, 2023, 7 pm
ECC
15 Newbury St Boston, MA 02134
Tickets: $60
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
IG: @benvogue
Experience the latest trends and designs showcased by ten renowned luxury fashion designers. From elegant evening gowns to cutting-edge streetwear, this runway show promises to be a feast for the eyes. With a mix of established designers and emerging talents, this event is a must-attend for fashion enthusiasts.
Our annual Boston En Vogue, Modern Luxury show, is renowned for being a captivating and stylish luxury fashion runway show. Taking place post-Boston Fashion Week on Saturday, October 14th, we are showcasing the talents of both local and international fashion designers, bringing a seamless fusion of creativity and cultural diversity to the runway.
BOSTON CARIBBEAN FASHION WEEK - 10th Anniversary!
Saturday, October 18-21, 2023
Free — $55
Roxbury Community College Media Arts Center
1234 Colombus Avenue, Boston, MA 02120
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
IG: @bostonCFW
Boston Caribbean Fashion Week (BCFW) is a multi-day series of fashion events founded and produced by VStyle Productions. BCFW focuses on Beauty, Culture, Fashion, and Style. This year marks the 10th anniversary and events begin October 18 and run through October 21, 2023.
October 18 - Opening Night -Avant Garde Design Challenge
October 19 - BCFW Honors: Award Ceremony
October 20 - BCFW presents Teen Fashion Night Out
October 21 - BCFW Runway Fashion Show
October 26, 2023
7:30 PM
ALEWIFE Gallery Reception by EEBEE
Free
IG: @eeeebeeeeee
ALEWIFE is a multimedia presentation including five fashion ensembles, photographs, silkscreen prints, illustrations, other artifacts, and a 5 minute originally scored fashion film. The project was documented late in the evening of 9/3/2022 and has been in production since April 2022. The title references the gritty station where the Red Line starts in North Cambridge: a 5-story parking garage with multiple bus terminals, and well known by delinquents for its massive spiral ramp plastered in graffiti. It is a place of presence, though people are always coming and going. For kids growing up in the north, it connected us to the big-small world within the MBTA, enabling exploration and exposure to the city's visual identity. With new experience comes a new perspective, thus ALEWIFE is a metaphor for the growing pains of an adolescent in transit.
This project was created by Cambridge and Boston-based creatives, including students from MassArt.
The gallery will be open from 10/15/2023 until 10/27/2023 with a reception at 7:30 pm on 10/26/2023.
Doran Gallery / Design and Media Center
Massachusetts College of Art + Design
621 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
Fierce Styles X Fashion Show
Presented by RegiJames Productions
December 03, 2023, 7:00 PM
For several years, the Fierce Styles fashion show has successfully brought together emerging and established designers, fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, and media from Boston, Connecticut, and New York. We have consistently pushed the boundaries of design, celebrating diversity, sustainability, and the ever-evolving artistry that defines fashion. This year's event promises to be a truly unforgettable celebration of our journey thus far.
Warehouse XI
11 Sanborn Ct., Somerville, MA 02143
$35
FOR MORE CLICK HERE
@Fashionshow.Fiercestyles
"Never doubtthat a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead