How to See Every Runway Show Without Being in NYC

In it’s beginning, New York Fashion Week was an event that was attended only by the fashion elite. Editors from top magazines and buyers would fill the seats to get a private first-look at the designer's latest work.

But, in recent years, fashion shows have evolved from business events to social occasions. Bloggers and influencers fill the crowd as the coveted front row, which was once exclusively reserved for people like Anna Wintour, is now filled with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and stylish athletes like Victor Cruz.

These days the shows are even more accessible to the general public, too. There are no restrictions as to who can see the latest looks that designers are sending down the runway, thanks to technology and social media. It is almost impossible to go to a fashion show without seeing the majority of the audience holding up their phones to capture the moment, and luckily that content makes its way to our screens.

Now, anyone with a smartphone or computer can experience the same unobstructed view as the privileged socialites from anywhere—and in real time. Check our recommendations for the best ways to see every runway during NYFW.

Livestreams are the best option for those of us who can’t jet set to New York. The stream delivers the presentation in real time, so you don’t have to miss a second of the action. Sites like New York Fashion Week Live will capture the biggest shows—like Alexander Wang—for online viewers to tune in. Fashion Week Live also allows you to replay the presentations, so you can relive the experience as many times as you want.

If you are looking to catch shows from the hottest up-and-coming designers of the season, check out MADE's website. The folks over at MADE have offered a platform for awesome designers like Patrik Ervell, Alexander Wang, and Jeremy Scott to showcase their stuff.

Each season a handful of designers like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Marc Jacobs will offer livestreams of their shows via their own brand websites. So, make sure to check in on which brands are delivering the live content.

A quick search on YouTube for New York Fashion Week will bring up an array of presentation videos. You can check out shows from brands like N. Hoolywood and Todd Snyder, straight from the video-sharing website.

Sites like Vogue Runway and The Cut will post photos of runway shows right after they happen. You can click on each look individually, and really get a good look at what the designer created. You can also check out the reviews of each of the presentations. It is the next best thing to catching the shows in real time.

Following the right people on Instagram will not only give you a front-row seat, but also a peek backstage and all the craziness in between. Brands, designers, models, and photographers are all very active on social media throughout the week.

Of course following the official account of NYFW, as well as affiliates like the CFDA, will give you access to the latest presentation images—but keeping up with your favorite brands on Instagram is also a great way to experience the shows. Brands like Billy Reid shared its entire Spring/Summer 2016 collection on social media, while Thom Browne and Robert Geller posted images of a few key looks. Prolific street photographer Tommy Ton is definitely worth a follow on Instagram to keep up with all the latest shows, but also check out his recently launched site, tommyton.com.

Retailers get in on the action too, with Barney's and Neiman Marcus sharing videos and images from the shows, and giving viewers a preview of the trends for the upcoming seasons.

If you’re looking for a quick and dirty recap of the week’s events, then check out Snapchat. Last season, the social media platform put together an “Our Story” that documented all kinds of action at NYFW. Designers and models posted their short clips that were available to view for only 24 hours. Brands like Opening Ceremony and Michael Kors also documented their stories via Snapchat.