In an unprecedented move, Givenchy’s artistic director Riccardo Tisci has opened up the house’s NYFW show to “real people” or, as WWD put it, “non-industry, non-celebrity civilians.” Not even, as the journal says, is “proof of Givenchy purchase required”. While 280 tickets have been set aside for the students and faculty members of local fashion schools such as FIT and Parsons and a further 100 tickets for people living close to the show venue, 820 will be available (free of charge) from 3pm GMT/10am EST today. 

“Opening to the public was my dream for many, many years,” Tisic told WWD, “You know, fashion is amazing and very exclusive. But (I’ve long thought) one day I would love to do a show where anybody – which is the reality – could be a part of it.”

Givenchy’s SS16 show, which will take place at 6.30pm on September 11, has already been the subject of a lot of media attention. In June, the house announced that it would be showing at NYFW this season, to coincide with the opening of its new flagship store on Madison Avenue. It also announced that the show will include a contribution from Tisci’s friend and performance artist Marina Abramoviç. “She’s going to help me to art direct the show,” the designer said to WWD. While details of this contribution have been kept firmly under wraps, he promised that it would be “very interesting”.

Tickets will be distributed via registration on this website set up with nycgo.com, New York City's marketing office, on a first-come, first-served basis.