Since 1943, New York Fashion Week has been the most notoriously exclusive biannual event in the city. It started when Eleanor Lambert, a savvy publicist from Indiana, took a page from Paris’ playbook and launched “Press Week” to promote American designers during World War II. It was held at the glamorous Plaza hotel, and even buyers and merchandisers couldn’t get in. It was meant to, above all else, draw media attention. Spoiler alert: It did.

For decades thereafter, as the world’s top designers threw their hats into the ring and A-list celebrities started snagging front-row seats, the paparazzi multiplied. In the ‘90s, fans of fashion, fame, and all that’s flashy lined up in the streets just to get a glimpse of the style elite coming and going from the tents at Bryant Park, and later, at Lincoln Center. Designers’ most coveted looks went from runway to red carpet in the blink of an eye, leaving the general public with nothing more than some photographs and a dream.

But finally, something is shifting: Gatekeeping is going out of style. Industry outsiders who want a piece of the fashion frenzy can attend livestream watch parties, film screenings, shopping pop-ups, and galas — and even buy tickets to select runway shows. In recent years, some brands have not only opted to make their presentations public, but they’ve let viewers shop straight from the runway. If this is what the democratization of Fashion Week looks like, we’re here for it. Keep reading for eight NYFW events anyone can attend this September, no Vogue byline required.

2. NYFW Pop‑Up Haus by Fashion Week Haus

The events and production team behind Fashion Week Haus is known for its empowering runways and for putting on a vibrant, inclusive show — and its New York Fashion Week popup at the Thompson Central Park New York will be no exception as it brings the community together in support of Los Angeles fire relief. The week-long event will offer the public a chance to browse beauty, fashion, and wellness brands; watch a runway show; and attend panels and activations dedicated to self-care. Tickets for Sept. 10-17 will be available soon.

3. Revive Fashion Week

Revive Fashion Week is a movement dedicated to providing a platform for independent, underrepresented creatives; on Sept. 12, its sixth season will shine a spotlight on an all-female team, from the event producers to the designers dressing the models on the runway. For $121.89, VIP tickets include an expedited entrance and front-row seat, and general admission is $81.88. Showcases run all day from 1 to 9 pm, which leaves plenty of time for networking with fashion industry professionals over cocktails in between designer moments.

4. “CatWalk FurBaby”: A Special NYFW Screening

To compassionate animal advocates, wearing fur is more than a fashion faux pas. “CatWalk FurBaby” is a short but impactful documentary about animal rescue and the couture community. A screening and cocktail reception will take place at Sony Hall on Sept. 9 at 7 pm, spotlighting a number of New York-based charities. Tickets are $175 and also include a seat at a runway show on Sept. 10 at 7 pm.

5. Runway 7 at Sony Hall

Runway 7 is selling general admission tickets to runway shows every day from Sept. 10-14 at Midtown’s Sony Hall. Expect streetwear, international styles, womenswear, gowns, and even a kids and teens show on Sept. 13. Tickets start at $150, but you can save 20% with code NYFW20 or get a ticket for free if you stay at the Paramount NYC hotel in Times Square as part of its special Fashion Week package. If all that fashion puts you in the mood to update your own wardrobe, don’t forget to check out the cool merch, too.

6. SMG Fashion Week - New York

If you want to feel like a celebrity at Fashion Week, look no further than SMGlobal Catwalk. Come dressed in black tie attire for this gala, where you’ll walk the red carpet to dinner before enjoying a couture fashion show, networking, live entertainment, and an after-party. If anything catches your eye, you can even shop the looks on the runway. It’s all going down in the Paris Ballroom in Bryant Park on Sept. 13 at 5 p.m., and tickets range from $32.66 for standing room to $381.06 for the celebrity VIP experience, which includes a makeover before your red carpet moment.

7. New York Fashion Week hiTechMODA

The Edison Ballroom in Times Square will be the place to find some of NYFW’s most innovative ensembles on Sept. 13 and 14, as hiTechMODA gives independent designers free rein on the runway. Expect style and tech to intersect in ways the fashion world hasn’t seen before. Tickets start at $54.63, and there are options to stay for multiple shows or purchase VIP packages with special seating.

8. The Model X Showcase

Natural beauty brand Donny's Angel Beauty is behind this inclusive model showcase on Sept. 11, which features more than 40 models of all sizes, backgrounds, personalities, and styles. There’s a mixer before the show with cocktails and skincare samples from 7 to 8 p.m., and then comes the runway show, with swimwear, high fashion, loungewear, edgy body suits, and more. Model Sky Kelly will host, and live performances will include vocalist Sasha Semeniuk. Tickets start at $40.