NYFW is a time when the city’s biggest tastemakers, influencers, and editors all gather in one place with the same common goal: to decide what they will be wearing next season.
It’s a time when the Devil Wears Prada “a million girls would kill for this job,” sentiment holds true.
It’s buzzy, it’s exclusive, it’s the definition of VIP.
But as glamorous as it is, NYFW is exhausting. It’s a marathon and a sprint, to say the least.
See Also: AKNVAS Debuts AT NYFW And It Was A Hit!
With every magical runway collection and star-studded party comes blistered feet, incredibly long hours, and dare I say it, $65 dollar ubers.
If you're curious about what it takes to survive NYFW, or looking to plan for next season, here's everything you need to know.
This is NYFW, unfiltered.
In order to survive and thrive during fashion week, it’s important to budget your time and money. Before going into the week, I made a list of every show I was attending and each respective location. Afterward, I mapped out the distance from one location to the next, deciding what mode of transportation would be the most practical (without bleeding in my knock-off Versace pumps) and cost-effective. Planning ahead is key.
Say Yes To EverythingI was invited to a million and one events over the course of the week, and I said yes to everything. People called me crazy—including my mom who gave me the classic overbearing Jewish mother “don’t overexert yourself" speech—but I didn’t care. Attending NYFW opens so many doors, both personally and professionally, and I wasn’t going to miss out on any opportunity.
I wasn’t invited to everything right off the bat, but I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. I found out where all the hottest shows, events, and parties, were for the season, and reached out to the appropriate people to see if I could attend. Many replied with the generic “I’m sorry we can’t accommodate you this season,” but a few were actually very excited to have me! Making a strong case for yourself goes a long way in this industry.
You never know who you are going to bump into during NYFW (hey Kravis!), and it’s imperative to take advantage of every opportunity. Whether it’s making small talk with other editors, exchanging contact information, or even complimenting people on their outfits (this works like a charm!), these are all ways to make connections with people in the industry. I went into the situation knowing virtually nobody, and came out of it making many invaluable connections!
NYFW is even more magical than Disneyworld, and you’re going to want to remember everything. While my focus was on capturing the runway looks, I also snapped photos of the atmosphere, what people were wearing, and any exciting celebrity sightings. NYFW is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, and you want the content to prove it.
Pro tip: I invested in a portable charger so my phone didn't die!
Paparazzi were everywhere snapping photos, so I needed to dress my best. I invested in a few statement pieces for the season and then filled in the gaps with more affordable options from Zara, Aritzia, and Amazon. There’s no mandatory dress code at NYFW, but there’s an unspoken rule about what’s appropriate to wear and what’s not. AKA don’t show up in ripped jeans and Converse. Totally not the vibe.
Fashion is all about self-expression, and what better way to represent yourself than at NYFW? I (attempted) to dress to the nines, while not losing sight of my own personal style. If you’re not getting dressed by the brands (which most editors don’t), it’s up to you to come up with an outfit that matches the vibe of each show. There are many ways to pay homage to the brand, without sacrificing your own sense of self.
It’s human nature to compare yourself to others, especially at a high-pressure event like NYFW. When I found myself guilty of this, I took a step back and reminded myself that I was just as worthy of being here as everybody else. Despite what I looked like on the outside, I earned my spot here, whether it be in the front row or what I like to call “the nose-bleed seats.”
As an extension of practicing self-love, I made sure to set aside at least 30 minutes a day for “me” time. Whether that be turning on a quick episode of Friends, or grabbing my favorite Matcha latte on my way back from the shows, it was important that I carved out some much-needed alone time. I learned this the hard way last season, and I burned out very quickly!
NYFW is a big deal on its own, but it’s a microcosm of SS23 at large. Just as NYFW ends, London fashion week begins, followed by Milan and then Paris. You can easily differentiate industry newcomers from veterans by something as simple as word choice.
NYFW was an amazing experience I will never forget! If you’re eager to learn more, check out Rockitlikeroz on Instagram!
Photography by: Courtesy Amy Rosner
