New York Fashion Week is one of the most popular time of the year for fashion connoisseurs, bloggers, trend setters and more to get together and rant about the best designers and their collections. I put together a list of DO’S and DONT’S that you should and should not do while at a show and what can help you or make you look like a complete fool while watching the latest trends walk down the runway.
Do: Be on Time! Try to arrive 20 minutes before each show’s start time to get yourself situated and ready to watch the latest collections. Arriving early also lets you socialize and talk to people and get to know what their audience is like. It is also a great time for networking!
Don’t: Be Late. Imagine walking into a giant room filled with the worlds most creative and well known people in the fashion industry – embarrassing! Getting their 20 minutes early shouldn’t be to hard and could potentially land you your dream job in the future by networking and getting to know people. If you are running late, your seat could be taken away from you and could possibly annoy some people around you. It’s not that big of a deal, but if you get there too late, sometimes they will not even let you in the show; which is such a bummer.
Do: Take Lots of Photos! This is a fashion show! You are expected to take lots of photos and videos of the latest trends and collections walking up and down the runway. It’s not everyday that you have the chance to see some amazing work created by some of your favorite designers. Also, it is a great way to keep memories and be able to look back on the killer looks you have witnessed.
Don’t: Take Someone Else’s Seat. One of the most uncomfortable interactions with someone is sitting in their seat at NYFW. If you don’t have specific seating arrangements, don’t just sit down in a random seat expecting like it will be ok. Why put yourself through those awkward engagements with New York’s most influential people? As someone around you or go grab the usher and ask if it is ok to sit in that seat, someone might be running late or aren’t showing up but it is rude and unprofessional to sit in someone else seat that you do not own. No one wants to be in a pickle, especially not at New York Fashion Week!
Do: Know your Designers! To me, attending shows is just more than models walking up and down the runway. Designers work their asses off on the daily to be able to showcase their work to millions of people around the world. It would be a good idea to do some research before attending a show just so you have some background knowledge on who they are, what they create, and what they are most known for. It is also nice to be able to talk to your neighbors in the audience about the designers – they will think you have done your research and are interested in not only the clothing and accessories but the designer/show itself.
Don’t: Be on your Phone the Whole Time. There is nothing more annoying that that one person who is glued to their social media accounts, texting, or calling someone in the middle of a show. It’s rude and it makes it seem like you could care less of what is going on in front of you. No one wants to look over and see a bright light shining in your face while they are trying to watch something that they have been head over heels waiting for. It also blocks other peoples views and is very distracting to most people. It is totally ok to take videos, boomerangs and pictures, but make sure you are taking the time to live in the moment.
Do: Have your Contact Information Ready for Networking! Before you go anywhere, it is important to have all of your contact information updated and ready to show off! You never know who you might meet at a show and it could potentially benefit you in the long run. Don’t be scared to go out of your comfort zone – it is important to be able to converse with people and show them that you are outgoing and are possibly interested in a future job.
Don’t: Wear things in the audience that could distract other people. There is nothing more annoying that sitting behind someone with a gigantic hat on, blocking your view of a great show. I get it, fashion week is all about showing off your best looks, but before you go all gung-ho with a wide brimmed hat fit for the Kentucky Derby, be considerate of your fellow fashion lovers surrounding you. The last thing you want is to get in a scuffle with someone who shares the same love as you.
Do: Have Fun! Fashion week is supposed to be a blast with loud music, great looks and awesome people. Fashion shows are meant to showcase designers art and creativity. Live in the moment, take photos and videos, and take the show all in! You will have memories that will last you a lifetime.
Emily. 