Toronto Fashion Week: What you need to know

World MasterCard Fashion Week may be undergoing many changes, but the giant white tent erected in David Pecaut Square is not among them.

The layout of the fashion week hub is similar to last season with a single tent divided in half. One side features the main runway, which seats 800 people, and the other the smaller “studio” runway seats 240, with standing room for 100.

The large backstage area caters to both runways, so hair and makeup artists don’t have to sprint between them, as in previous years.

What’s new? No longer will runway spectators languish in bleacher style seats — real chairs are being used this time.

And good news for fashion fans left out in the cold. The popular wall of floor-to-ceiling windows is back, offering passersby on King St. W a glimpse into the tent’s “studio” runway section where designers like Ashtiani, Adrian Wu and Triarchy will be showing off their latest creations.

For those on the inside, the so-called “fashion environment” mingling area of the tent will feature hair and makeup artists from Maybelline New York and Redken 5th Avenue offering quick touch-ups. Nibbles and beverages will be provided by the Ritz-Carlton.

Need to know

When: Oct. 22 to 26

Where: David Pecaut Square on King St. W. between John and Simcoe Sts.

Tickets: $25 for studio shows, $50 for shows on the main runway and $175 for a day pass. Buy online at worldmastercardfashionweek.com and pick-up your tickets on-site. You must be 19+ to attend.

Getting there:

By car: Take the QEW/Gardiner Expressway to the York St. exit. Go north on York to King St., then west to Simcoe St. Underground parking is available at Roy Thomson Hall, Metro Hall and Metro Centre. Metered street parking is an option — but be warned that in the bustling Entertainment District it can be hard to find a spot.

By TTC: The closest subway stop is St. Andrew on the north-south University Line. Exit onto King St. W and head west for a few minutes.

Bathrooms: You’ll find them in Metro Hall, on the west side of David Pecaut Square.