At the CFDA, we encourage our designers to pursue a business strategy that is aligned with their operation structure and optimizes growth and ultimately success.

The March 2016 CFDA study on The Future of New York Fashion Week by The Boston Consulting Group made precisely that point: designers should do what they feel is best for them.

Nearly two years later, the groundbreaking study continues to influence our members and the approach they take to fashion shows. We’ve seen a number of them, including Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Rebecca Minkoff, embracing “see now/buy now,” and a few designers – Proenza Schouler, Rodarte –showing in Paris during couture.

Recently, a small group of designers came together at the CFDA to discuss shifting their shows to June and December and combining their main collections with pre-collections. They are seriously considering combining Resort and Spring to show in early June, and Pre-Fall and Fall in early December.

They see many advantages as it pertains to their business model, among them: shorter window between show and delivery, a longer full-price selling window, and—something they unanimously agreed upon—more downtime between collections. The latter would hopefully lessen the chances of creative burnout, which has become a serious issue in our industry over the past few years.

Today, Alexander Wang announced his shift to June and December—a move that is the direct result of conversations spearheaded by a group of designers and the CFDA. We support Wang’s move as it works for his business model.

The dates for February and September remain unchanged, and this new idea will have no impact on those.

That said, more brands are seriously considering starting to show in June 2018 with others looking to make the move for June 2019 to allow for a smooth production shift. If such a move helps our designers’ businesses, then we are naturally all for it. Watch this space.