NYFW will enforce a Vaccine Mandate

The CFDA and IMG Announce a Directive Requiring Proof of Vaccination for All NYFW Show Participants

As if fashion needed another good reason to fully vaccinate, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, who in their partnership with IMG oversee New York Fashion Week, have announced that all individuals entering show spaces during the event will need to be vaccinated. Everyone involved in the events, including guests, staff members, models, and more will need to show proof of vaccination.

IMG had previously announced that it would require all individuals entering Spring Studios, the central hub of New York Fashion Week: The Shows, to show proof of vaccination. The announcement from the CFDA expands these requirements to include all show locations across the city.

In a joint statement, IMG and the CFDA said, “Following IMG’s announcement and in accordance with the City of New York’s Covid-19 vaccination mandate, the CFDA and IMG have aligned on a directive that all New York Fashion Week events require proof of vaccination for any guest, staff member or individual attending or working on site. Together, we encourage the broader industry to follow suit and protect the wellbeing of our fashion community this September. We will closely follow updates and recommendations from the CDC, New York State and City, releasing comprehensive health and safety guidelines in mid-August.”

IMG informed designers of the decision earlier this week. Designers and labels showing at this year’s highly anticipated event include Tom Ford, Moschino, Telfar, Ulla Johnson, and many more.

The announcement follows quickly on the news that New York City will require residents to show proof of vaccination to attend most indoor spaces, including restaurants, gyms, and performance spaces, beginning on August 16th. The CFDA’s directive is strictly aligned with these requirements. With Covid-19 cases – and especially the more contagious and deadly delta variant – once again on the rise across the Tri-State region, it’s a crucial moment to take these precautionary steps in order to ensure everyone remains safe and healthy.