Which American designer founded New York Fashion Week’s predecessor, Press Week, in 1943?

Eleanor Lambert founded New York Fashion Week’s predecessor, Press Week, in 1943.

Lambert was an American publicist who worked to increase recognition for American designers and fashion institutions. During World War II, European travel was restricted and American fashion journalists could not easily attend Paris couture presentations. Lambert used that situation to create a dedicated press event in New York.

Press Week invited journalists to see collections by American designers and encouraged newspapers and magazines to cover domestic fashion. It also helped shift attention away from the idea that Paris alone determined international style.

Lambert later helped establish other influential fashion institutions, including the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1962. Her role is sometimes confused with that of later New York Fashion Week organizers, but she is specifically credited with creating the 1943 Press Week model.