Words and photos by Lubna Amour
Paris Fashion Week may be known for its glamorous runways and exclusive front rows, but attending one of fashion’s biggest events can come with a hefty price tag.
According to The Bureau Fashion Week, tickets for Paris Fashion Week 2026 advertised from £187 for standard seating to £482 for front-row VIP access, and costs can quickly rise when flights, accommodation, food and outfits are added.
For students already managing the costs of everyday life and university, is attending Paris Fashion Week really worth the gamble?
Attending Paris Fashion Week could offer more than a chance to see the latest collections. Navdeep Singh, a student at London Metropolitan University, said: “I’ve been into fashion for a long time now. If I could afford it, it would be a great opportunity to go see different kinds of fashion and cultures and it would enhance my knowledge about it.”
His comments highlight how the cost of attending could prevent students from experiencing an event that could broaden their understanding of fashion and different cultures.
At the V&A Schiaparelli exhibition
However, some people can afford the opportunity to visit Fashion Week, giving them an opportunity to explore contemporary fashion.
Gurusewakijut Singh said: “Yes sure I would like to explore the fashion week and explore more about the modern era, I can afford flights so I’d definitely grab this opportunity to go see it.”
His response highlights the appeal of experiencing fashion trends in person, although the cost of flights is only one part of the overall expense of travelling to fashion.
Moreover, Dr Sasha Raspopina, a Fashion lecturer at London Metropolitan University, offered a different perspective, questioning whether attending Fashion Week is vital for aspiring fashion journalists.
“I don’t think it’s that essential, journalists who attend fashion week are most likely writing a review or review style pieces,” she said. Fashion Week could be more accessible, she added, saying it could be “more open to inviting people and less guarded”.
Fashion Week may seem like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but beyond the advertised ticket prices and travel to fashion hotspot cities, additional expenses such as accommodation, meals and local transport can add up.
While the event could provide valuable inspiration and first-hand exposure to the industry, attending in person might not be the only way to develop a career in fashion journalism.
Ultimately, while Fashion Week can offer valuable inspiration, aspiring fashion journalists may need to consider whether the experience justifies the cost.
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