Since 1995, there has been one Boston Fashion Week . It serves as an umbrella for fashion events around the city. During a week in late September, Boston is overtaken by showy fashion cocktail parties, student competitions, and, naturally, elegant runway shows at the tent behind the Mandarin Oriental. Hundreds turn out for these events, and the tent shows are the marquee attraction of the week.

But Boston Fashion Week’s hold on the city’s style scene is about to get some company — and competition. On Thursday night StyleWeek NorthEast will debut at the W Hotel, and if the reaction from the local fashion community is an indication, anything new that helps establish Boston as a fashion force is welcome.