open runway 2026

Downtown Boston Alliance will host a special edition of the Boston Fashion Week initiative, which provides a platform for fashion designers at every stage of their careers, with a focus on student designers (registration is also open to fashion school alumni, and self-taught designers). This edition will celebrate how education inspires and informs great fashion design.

Open Runway is an open-air fashion show on The Steps in Downtown Crossing, taking place on Friday, September 18, 2026, at noon. (Rain date: Friday, 9/25)

Open Runway uses the same premise as an open mic night for singers and comedians, allowing local fashion designers to show their creations to the public. Participating as a designer is free, but pre-registration is required.

Join Jay Calderin, the Founder and Executive Director of Boston Fashion Week, and a host panel of industry leaders — Petra Slinkard of Peabody Essex Museum, Keyla Williams of Bogosplit, and local fashionista Evelyn Reyes — as they celebrate a diverse collection of unique designs and bold statements created right here in the Greater Boston area.

The event is FREE and open to the public.

THE RULES:

Please read carefully.

Designers must pre-register.

Registration closes on Friday, September 4, 2026.*

*Please note registration may close earlier if demand exceeds capacity.

Anyone who has not pre-registered will be turned away.

Registered designers will be contacted with the exact location of the pre-show holding area.

OPEN RUNWAY is an apparel show, but accessory designers may apply for a spot. Allocations to accessory designers will be made, space permitting.   

Designers may show a minimum of one ensemble or a maximum of three ensembles.

Multiple looks will be shown together.

Upon arrival, designers must have a different model dressed in each of their looks.

Organizers reserve the right to withdraw the invitation to show on the OPEN RUNWAY if any garments are deemed inappropriate for the daytime Downtown Crossing audience (including children).

Designers are required to arrive with models that are READY FOR the runway.

This means that model(s) must be dressed (with completed hair and makeup) before arrival and checked in no later than 11:30 am on Friday, September 18, 2026.

The holding area will not accommodate unprepared designers/models.

Designers provide their own models. 

The show starts promptly at noon and usually lasts approximately 45 -60 minutes.

Please DO NOT use ALL CAPS when filling out this form. Please type carefully.

Confirmation emails will be sent to registrants within 5-7 days of submission.