Runway 7 Fashion — Local services in New York

Runway7 has a unique experience for newcomers to see first hand into the fashion industry which I am very thankful for. I had the amazing opportunity to network and be in the same spaces assisting wonderful designers. I also had the opportunity to share this experience with my mom as Runway7 helped me greatly by allowing her in the event with ease. Me and her will never forget our time at NYFW with Runway7. A few things I would like to point out about my experience with Runway 7 was despite the teams best efforts I did have a couple of miscommunication issues. One the first day I arrived, I was expecting a detailed orientation explaining the expectation for the week but I was told the orientation took place on Monday but only for the volunteers who participated in model casting. We had a quick debriefing Tuesday morning but I believe a detailed orientation would have helped greatly. On my second day I noticed the call time for volunteers was 7 am and there was only 3 of us that came and everyone came around 8 am including team captains and I was confused with that as well. Another example of a call time miscommunication would be on the first day of the runway show, runway times were pushed back and the show didn’t end until almost one o’clock when we were notified to have a quick meeting after the show. In the meeting, as only a few of the volunteers were there, we were notified that we had to move many boxes and many gift bags up to the third floor and as I asked if we had to be back here at 7 AM, the group was informed to come at 8 o’clock. Unfortunately, when I got there at 8 o’clock, I heard that others were not happy that some of us were considered late but we were informed by a team captain that we could come in at 8 O’clock. As time went on I feel like me and a few volunteers were very appreciative of the complementary meals as it was stated in the meetings over zoom. In the morning call times we did notice that the breakfast included mini pastries that were very good, but a lot of us were expecting something more substantial especially with us being there from 7am-12am on a couple of days. Fortunately the company did provide a second meal of pizza around five but a few of us did have to run out quickly and get a third meal and also something to drink. I also believe there were NO gluten free meals provided which I believe were supposed to be covered as mentioned in the zoom meetings. I would love to point out that the company Runway 7 was completely understanding of taking breaks and encouraged them often, which was so great to hear. When it came down to the runway shows a lot of the volunteers and I were not directed on where exactly we were going to be the night before as some of the other new volunteers had private conversations and already knew where they were going to be and that created another issue with communication for me and luckily I found out that morning I was designated a group. Also as time went on we noticed a lot of favoritism were given to certain volunteers and were also given the role of leads which I was not informed about and it made it very confusing on who was a lead volunteer and who was I supposed to be taking direction from. Also, I did hear a lot of feedback from designers and models that the dressing area designated for them at Sony Hall made them feel very uncomfortable and very exposed as there were a few curtains in that area that, waiters at Sony Hall, and press were using to get to there seat as many people were taking photos and videos. As I try to be an advocate for the models that they were uncomfortable and if I could have an extra robe for a model I was told that, unfortunately, it was not a priority if they were not under 18 and I was told that it was “New York fashion week”, which implemented to me that this happens all the time, as this was my first New York fashion week. I felt very uncomfortable having to report that back to the model that I couldn’t help her.Overall, this was an experience of a lifetime and this company really are providing the...

I heard some many good things about this organization and I can’t wait to be apart of it. I’ve seen some of my friends walked for NYFW and it definitely encouraged me to try to do the same because I am passionate and hard working and walking for this year’s NYFW will be a big step for me. Thank you.

UPDATE: So I went to casting this past Monday (February 5) and it was a very positively overwhelming experience. Firstly, you are asked to give your comp cards or photos and then get your picture taken, and then you have to walk down the runway and then afterwards you have a chance to mingle. However, in my experience, it was very hectic, and it was hard to mingle with other people because it was so crowded and unless you knew people such as designers, photographers or representatives, you were kinda just standing there looking around like confused on what’s next and there was a bit man who came out of nowhere and was shouting at people to leave and thank for coming which was rude. 7 out of 10 a good experience but I wish there was more opportunities such as follow ups and details. I understand a lot of things were going on but as an organization as big as this one, you would think they would be more organized. I was there for literally 30 seconds. So the experience was OK but I’ll probably will try again next year. I am grateful to be picked to be casted for the casting though but I guess it’s not my time for Feb. I’ll try again in September. Thank you!

UPDATE: So i decided to sign up for September’s NYFW castings and my exceptions for this time around remains the same. February’s NYFW was amazing! I was able to attend one of their shows and i was blown away by everything AND everyone. I’m so hoping to apart of this great team of professionals and I can’t to...

Runway7 is simply amazing! There is no other word to describe their entirety. Working with them from start to finish at NYFW, as a designer, made the entire experience surpass every expectation I had. I have worked behind the scenes for many fashion shows over the years, 2024 was my first year as a designer, and I could not have picked a better company to partner with. Not only did they deliver everything they said they would, but all the individuals working on their team were hands down the best in the industry. Prior to arriving in New York they had plenty of systems in place to ensure a successful show prep. Perfectly timed deadlines and guided support to deliver a stress free experience. Christina was my liaison at Runway7 and she was consistently helpful, and always available to answer questions or support me throughout the process. Runway7 had me covered in every area that a designer could possibly need, or want, additional support. They made me and my whole team feel valued and prioritized throughout the entire experience. I was fortunate enough to bring some of my own models to walk in the show, I hired about 10 models through Runway7. I loved the variety of models they provided. As for the models I ended up casting, I cannot say this loud enough- I LOVED working with each and every one of them. Their professionalism, personalities, and talent took the show to a whole new level. I left New York sad that it was coming to an end, but made some real connections and friends for life. The hardest part about working with Runway7 is imagining working with...