Who founded New York Fashion Week in 1943 as America’s first organized fashion week?

Eleanor Lambert founded New York Fashion Week in 1943 as America’s first organized fashion week.

Lambert was an influential American fashion publicist who created the New York event during World War II. Travel restrictions made it difficult for American journalists and buyers to attend Paris fashion shows, so she organized press presentations in New York instead.

The event was originally called Press Week, a name that reflected its media-centered purpose. It helped American designers gain attention independently of Paris couture houses and established New York as an important fashion capital.

Lambert also created the International Best Dressed List and helped establish the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The event later became known as New York Fashion Week, although the modern schedule is organized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and other industry partners.