In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), a fashion influencer shed light on the behind-the-scenes commercialization of seats to attend the biggest Fashion Week shows. Louis Pisano, an influencer and fashion media contributor, shared a screenshot of a private Instagram story allegedly from a “Very Important Customer (VIC) Manager” at one of the top French luxury houses. The image revealed a list of shows with guaranteed spots in the first three rows, including the red carpet and after-parties, all available for a price.
Among the luxury brands mentioned were Dries Van Noten, Balmain, Rabanne, Givenchy, Alexis Mabille, Elie Saab, Balenciaga, Casablanca, Y Project, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, and Chanel. Pisano’s tweet, which has gained over 200,000 views, suggests that this “side business” of selling show tickets is highly profitable.
Shortly after Pisano’s revelation, another influencer and editor-in-chief, Bryan Yambao, known as Bryanboy, shared an excel spreadsheet titled “a very old price list of invitations to fashion shows from a few seasons ago” on X. The list displayed prices ranging from 4,100 to 6,200 euros, depending on the designer brand. These exorbitant prices highlight the demand and willingness of some individuals to pay hefty sums for a chance to attend a fashion show.
Yambao also shed some light on the process behind this underground market. According to him, “the rich pay these people” who then bribe insiders in fashion houses, public relations, or security to obtain official invitations or gain surreptitious access. This practice is not only illegal but also tarnishes the image of the fashion industry if proven true.
The news quickly spread on social media, drawing attention to the illegal nature of this trade. Unlike ticket resales for matches or concerts, Fashion Week is an invitation-only event, making this type of trafficking even more controversial. If confirmed, these activities could have serious consequences for the brands involved.
As the story develops, more testimonies and fact-checking information may emerge, shedding light on the stakeholders and mechanisms involved in these transactions.
Useful links:
1. Vogue Business: How burgeoning ticket-scalping market hit China Fashion Week
2. Business of Fashion: Inside the Fashion Show Ticket Black Market
