Come On Vogue: A Look Into Fashion PR
Is fashion the ultimate form of PR? From high-end couture at the Met Gala to the "trickle-down effect" in retail, we look at how the industry communicates without saying a word.
Vogue is the center of fashion. It determines the next trends, plants a seed far in advance to allow for a blossom next year, and can easily decide whether a new collection is a hit or a flop: they are the original influencers.
Condé Nast is a premier global media company producing high-quality content for over 1 billion consumers across 32 markets. Founded in 1909 and headquartered in New York, the company publishes renowned brands including Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ, The New Yorker, and Wired.
Queen of Vogue
Anna Wintour, editor in chief of Vogue, announced last spring that she would step down after 37 years in the role. Her arrival revolutionized the magazine’s editorial approach. She called an end to the supermodel era, showcasing a preference for celebrities rather than models on her covers. Wintour was also the first to truly mix low-end fashion items with more expensive pieces in her photoshoots. Her debut cover in November 1988 included a 19-year-old Israeli model outfitted in a pair of $50 jeans and a $10,000 jewel-encrusted t-shirt.
With the Met Gala quickly approaching on May 4th, 2026, many are excited to see the different perspectives brought to the carpet with this year's theme: Fashion is Art. The Met Gala goes directly along with the new Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute installation, Costume Art.
The highly anticipated event remains invite-only by Wintour herself. Celebrities receive special invitations from her, or get invited by coveted fashion brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc. These brands invite celebrities to wear their outfits/couture across the carpet as it is the biggest night of fashion.
PR and Fashion Have An Intimate Relationship
PR has been a space where all ideas and takes are welcome. It’s a chance to be seen and for things to be experimented with, because you never know what will hit with your audience.
Fashion has a way of translating ideas and perspectives that words cannot. PR is the same. PR turns those words into pop-ups, commercials, and so many creative ways to reach that audience.
In other words, I see a piece of designer clothing in their catalog and see a new pop-up or a new commercial. I see it as a new way to reclaim their voice. Think of Spring/Summer Paris Fashion Week, that is the Super Bowl of fashion, where every runway is a paid advertisement for the brand.
But Where Do I Come In?
Fashion has been a haven for me. It’s a space where everything is interesting and adventurous. Fashion continues to push boundaries. There is a trickle-down effect with fashion. It doesn’t stop at the designer; we all get a taste of the current fashion trends and seasonal inspirations. Though it may take a year to get to our favorite mall stores, there continues to be inspiration from top brands that make their pieces unique.
Fashion is PR, and PR is Fashion. They remain so heavily intertwined that I crave it.
Last October, I had the opportunity to work backstage at a fashion show for RC Caylan’s Spring/ Summer 2026 show, One Night Only. Something clicked that day. As I was steaming, ironing, dressing the models, and then watching the show that night, Fashion PR is where I will end up.
About the Author
Ben Sanko is a junior majoring in Advertising and Public Relations, minoring in Business, and receiving the Social Media Badge at GVSU. This is Ben’s first semester as part of GrandPR as an Account Associate. Beyond GrandPR, Ben furthers his professional experience through GVPRSSA’s Social Media Director, along with Momentum Dance Club’s Social Media Manager. Ben plans to pursue a career in Fashion PR with dreams of working for Dolce & Gabbana or Diesel.