Overview DC Fashion Week is Washington's own fashion week, a partnership of independent designers, producers and models that stages a season of runway shows in the nation's capital every February and September. Founder Ean Williams started it to build a fashion industry in a city better known for policy, and it now brings international couture houses and emerging American labels to the same runways. Each season runs three evenings, from an industry networking night to a closing couture showcase. On site Night one is the Fashion Industry Networking Party, with a red carpet, a designer and model lineup review and cocktail networking. Night two is the Emerging Designers Showcase and night three is the International Couture Collections, both at the National Housing Center downtown, each with a red carpet, a VIP reception and a full runway show. Vendors sell along the concourse, and tickets run from general admission to VIP front row. Sponsors can take title or presenting rights to the season, produce a show night, host the VIP lounge, and put product in front of a front row of press, influencers and models. Audience Fashion-minded Washingtonians and visitors from across the DMV: designers, stylists, beauty professionals, models, fashion students, buyers and style fans. The capital adds its own layer, with diplomats, embassy guests and local officials in the seats. Media guests from magazines, blogs, radio, TV and podcasts cover each season. Talent and Influencers Couture designers from around the world show their collections alongside emerging US labels, many from the DMV. Each season's models are cast through open auditions, and many bring their own Instagram followings, some into six figures. Ean Williams hosts, with guest hosts such as Guy Lambert, and FOX 5 anchors have walked the runway. Track record DC Fashion Week has run twice a year since it launched and is the most covered fashion event in Washington. Forbes named it the most successful regional fashion week, BizBash has long ranked it a top 100 Washington event, and the Washington Post, Washingtonian, Politico and FOX 5 have all covered it. Harper's Bazaar, L'Officiel Italy and Getty Images have carried recent seasons. Brand presence Recent partners include District Social, which hosts the VIP lounge, Shy Magazine, Carolina Kitchen, Maison Perrier, Tequila Patrón, Art All Night, the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment and the H Street Festival, plus beauty, wellness and fashion brands. Sponsorship runs from executive producer title rights to bronze. The @officialdcfashionweek Instagram and dcfashionweek.org carry sponsor announcements, and a recent District Social campaign drew strong views and press mentions.