Happy Friday loves! I’ve finally had some time to sit down and write this post for you guys! I’m super excited to share with you all about my very first Fashion Week. To sum it up in a few words it was CRAZY, INSPIRING, & EXCITING. It was also freakinnnnn cold but all worth it!
Ever since I had an interest in fashion (which was when I was like 5 years old) my dream was to one day attend NYFW (and I’m sure you’ve heard this from like every blogger lol!). Even long before my blogging days, I always hoped that I would one day be lucky enough to get the opportunity to attend this “glamorous” event. And well after about a year and a half of blogging, that time came finally and it was one experience I won’t forget. With that being said, Fashion Week is definitely not all fun and glamorous. There’s a lot of work that need to be done months leading up to it and during it. Being my first Fashion Week, I’ll be honest, I had no idea what I was doing before hand. I didn’t know who to contact, where to look, when to reach out, etc. and I really didn’t have anyone to guide or help me. I had to do a ton of research before hand and digging through the internet to kind of get an idea of what I should be doing. Invites don’t just magically appear in your inbox (unless you’re a top influencer), you need to get yourself out there and reach out. It can be overwhelming but it’s part of the business and all worth it in the end.
Here are some tips if you’re thinking about attending Fashion Week:
1. Flights can be costly depending on where you are coming from. I booked my ticket about 4 months in advance with the idea that “I’m going to make this happen. I have a ticket and I’m going to Fashion Week, even though I have no idea what to do or what I’m getting myself into” lol! But booking it that far ahead really saved me a lot!
2. 1.5-2 months before, start researching hotels you’re interested in staying at. Make a list of all your favorites and reach out to them for a comped stay or media rate. Write a great pitch and attach your media kit to the email so they know exactly what to expect if they decide to work with you. With that being said, don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the response you’re looking for. Fashion Week is a very busy time of year and a lot of hotels don’t offer full comped stays or even media rates. (Don’t tell the hotels I said this, but also check out other sites like Expedia, Travel Zoo, Etc… sometimes the rates on these sites are cheaper than the media rate). I stayed at Arlo NoMad and really liked it. Despite the room being quite small (150 sq. feet for a girl during fashion week can be tough..), the view was breathtaking and the hotel and it’s rooms were very clean and nice.
3. If you are planning on working with a photographer, I recommend reaching out to some photographers about 1-1.5 month ahead. Photographers really book up fast during this time of year so make sure you secure a spot while you can.
4. My most asked question: how do you get invited to shows?! 2-3 weeks before the event, start checking out the NYFW website and Fashion Week Online to see if any shows have been added/updated. Reach out to the ones that are scheduled (and you are interested in) with a nice and short email, pitching yourself and why you’re looking to get an invite to the show. Also be sure to attach a media kit in there. Keep in mind, the schedules aren’t really complete until about 1-2 weeks prior to the event, so make sure you check daily. When you’re looking to reach out to PR and brands for invites to shows, the spot you want to look is Modemonline. This site is a life-saver and can save you a lot of time searching for contacts. Keep in mind some of the contact information may not be accurate so always do some research if you aren’t getting a response from a certain company/brand. A lot of brands have their PR contact info on their website as well so be sure to check it out. These sites are a great resource to help you plan what shows you want to attend, the times, locations, and who to contact.
My favorite presentation: Club Monaco
Leanne Marshall
Mara Hoffman
5. FOLLOW UP! This is so important. If you don’t get a response from a company/brand about attending a show or they respond saying “they will follow up with you soon”.. guess what, they won’t. So you really need to do your homework and follow up with each brand that doesn’t respond. Usually by the second email, they will get back to you with some sort of answer.
6. Now to the fashion… where do I begin. Aside from the shows, let’s be real, fashion week is all about the street style. Every girl wants to be photographed by top publications and media outlets. You want to get featured!! So plan what you want to wear ahead of time. Reach out to brands you admire and want to style pieces into your looks. This part can get stressful (well, every part can be stressful) but plan ahead and you’ll be fine. Just make sure you keep in mind the weather. In February, it is so damn cold. It was around 20-30 degrees while I was there and the wind was brutal. This Cali girl was not too stoked. I’m ALWAYS cold so the weather was tough to deal with for me. Just make sure you layer up if you plan on going in the winter. Also, shooting will be hard in the cold. Your hands will freeze and pretty much go numb lol. It is just part of the whole experience I guess haha. One tip: get gloves that you can text with because it is such a hassle when you have to take your gloves off and freeze just to look at your phone.
7. HAVE FUN!
What I learned:
1. Fashion week is crazy to say the least. There’s a lot of running around and very little down time. If you aren’t from New York and are kind of like me, you want to make the most out of your time in a new city. You will be all over the place; meeting with different people/brands/companies, visiting showrooms, going to events, shooting your looks, oh and of course the reason you even came to NY… attending shows. And on top of all of this.. you still somehow want time to explore the city a bit, eat at the cool hot spots, visit cute coffee shops, see friends, and kind of relax? Ya sooo you won’t be doing much relaxing during this trip, but it’s a part of the experience.
2. You will get invites to a lot of shows, but you shouldn’t go to every single one. Pick and choose. Unless you have absolutely nothing else to do, don’t spend all day everyday running from show to show. It gets exhausting. Honestly what worked best for me was 1-2 shows/presentations a day, either one in the morning and one at night, or two back to back. This way I had some time to enjoy the big city and do other business related and non-business related things. Also, don’t overbook yourself. If you can’t make it to a show or meeting, be sure to let the other party know.
3. Shows never start on time. Usually about 15-20 after the time they’re scheduled. So I’d like to say be on time because I think it’s important to be prompt, butttttt if you’re running a little late, don’t freak out too much.
4. There’s so much that goes on leading up to every show. From the beginning, all the reaching out you have to do… then when you get there, the prepping, the planning of outfits, the traffic on the way to the show.. so so much to do/deal with. And then you’re finally at the show, and it’s over within 5-10 min. These shows are so short!
5. You won’t always be comfortable. There is a lot of waiting around before shows. Sometimes you have to wait outside…in the freezing cold. And then once you’re inside, some of the venues are so freakin hot, so then you start sweating because you’re wearing a million layers and the furry jacket you have on is part of your outfit so you obviously can’t take it off…#thestruggle!! Also, your feet are going to kill you. By the end of the trip I had cuts and blisters all over from all the walking in heeled booties in the NYC streets. I highly highly highly recommend wearing your most comfortable shoes if you can.
6. You need to be organized. From your daily looks, to your schedule… organization is key. There is a lot going on and it’s easy to overlook certain things.
7. Fashion Week is expensive. Flights + accommodation (if not comped) + outfits (unless you get gifted/pull all your looks) + food + drinks + Uber/Lyft + activities all add up. So just keep that in mind!
8. Take this time to network, network, network!
What I Wore:
Coat: Rudsak | Top&Jeans: Zara | Bag: Henri Bendel | Booties: 4th&Reckless
Coat: Storets | Jeans: NakdFashion (use code SamiraR20 for 20% off) | Bag: Gucci
Pants: Zara | Tee: Zara | Puffer Coat: Topshop | Clutch: Henri Bendel | Booties: Public Desire
Photo by @curtispan
My favorite look of the week – Pants: Zara | Bomber: Dezzal | Bag: Gucci
What I did during my time off:
Visited Central Park, right after it snowed. It was SO gorgeous!
Walked around town.
Visited the Top Of The Rock. Best view of the city! Highly recommend doing this.
Spent some time in Brooklyn.
FINALLY tried Cha Cha Match (so good!)
Visited One World Trade Central and the 9/11 Memorial.
Hungout in Times Square.
Tried some good food and had some amazing drinks.. this is at Beauty & Essex. Highly recommend. Super trendy and great food!
To sum it up…
So did Fashion Week live up to my expectations? For the most part, yes it did. Is all as glamorous as it seems? No, it’s not. Will I go again? Definitely, but I may just stick to September NYFW because the NYC winter is brutal.
All in all, my first NYFW was one experience I won’t forget. It was a total blast. There were definitely ups and downs, but that’s expected. From what I’ve heard, Fashion Week in September is better. So for me, this was kind of just a way to get a feel for what it’s all about and what to expect if I want to continue attending. Being my first Fashion Week, I am happy with what I accomplished during my time there. I loved all the shows and presentations I attended and really enjoyed my time 🙂 I think it’s something everyone who’s in this industry should experience at least once!
Would love to hear your thoughts on this topic and/or if you have any other questions!
XO, Samira
Shop my looks:
In love with all the looks you’ve worn. So fun to read all your tips and fortunately you’ve survived the brutal weather. Really enjoyed reading this article. Thanks for sharing!
XO Charissa || http://WWW.LADYGOLDAPPLE.COM ||
Thank you so much for this post!! I’ve dreamed of going to Fashion Week for most of my life and these tips are so helpful! Hopefully I can make it next year <3
P.S. I also am ALWAYS cold, so I know the struggle… xD
Much love
xo
http://www.styleunsettled.com
Hello Samira!
Very nice looks, love the pink fur coat, the star boots and the black embroidered jacket.
I had answers for some question reading this post. Thank you to share us.
I’m interested to know it, the brands lend or give you the outfits?
Sending love from Italy
EVA
http://www.themermaidfashion.com
Author
Hi Eva,
Thanks so much for the kind words! Glad the post has helped answer some of your questions. In regards to the outfits, I was gifted the looks I wore. But a lot of brands also lend you clothes. It just depends on the brand you’re working with. Hope this helps! 🙂 xo
Wow it looks like you had an amazing time at NYFW! All of your outfits were gorgeous, my favorite one was the one with the pink coat. Really loving how cozy and fluffy it is! I hope that I could attend one day! & duuude your room looked so nice with that view! 🙂
This was a great read even for someone who’s not a newbie to FW at all, but there’s always something to learn from others and I certainly did from you. I think I usually overbook myself and have little or no time to enjoy the city I am in, basically having seen nothing else than the fashion venues. So I’ll try to chill down a bit when next FW season hits us! 🙂
Did you like the Arlo Nomad hotel btw? It looks wonderful with crazy views!
xoxo
Thomas
http://thomasfalkenstedt.com
Author
Hi Thomas,
Thanks for the sweet words! FW gets so hectic and overbooking yourself sometimes happens, but I really enjoyed the free time I had in between shows so I definitely recommend it 🙂 I really enjoyed my stay at Arlo Nomad! The rooms are pretty small (150 sq ft) but honestly I didn’t spend much time in the room so it worked for me even with all my luggage and clothes haha, plus the view was amazing! Xo
Looks like you just had the most amazing time! New York looks good on you, Samira!!
xx, Amy
http://www.theluxilook.com
Also, THANK YOU for your tips. So many people never get into the actual logistics of setting up NYFW – for the longest time I had NO idea how people got invited to shows, so thank you for being transparent and sharing!!!!
Author
Aw thanks so much Amy, you’re too sweet! I’m glad this post helped a bit 🙂 xoxo
Loved this NYFW guide. I wish I had seen it months ago as I just attended a few weeks ago for the first time. I definitely could have used some of your advice. It’s a crazy (but fun) week to navigate. And oh it was so cold !!!!! Loved your style & looks like you had a great time 🙂
xx,gracie
snappedbygracie.com
Author
Thank you! It is super crazy but definitely a great experience, hope you enjoyed your time. Thanks for reading! Xo
This is THE best guide to NYFW I’ve ever read. I literally read everything and took notes. I think a lot of people have the misconception that Fashion Week is this glamorous and easy thing for bloggers, but it actually turns out that bloggers spend the most time prepping for these shows. So much prop to them! I’ll have to keep all these things in mind for the next fashion week. I skipped this one because I can’t stand the cold. 😛
xoxo,
Maggie S.
❤Clothestomidnight.com
Author
Thanks for the kind words Maggie! I know right?! It’s really not all that glamorous, especially in the winter! I can’t stand the cold either so it was hard! Thanks for reading babe, xo
Hey Darling:)
So Happy that you Enjoyed your first NYFW, I loved everything what you Shared, Your Room Looked Amazing, Your Looks as well:) I can imagine the Cold, In Budapest we have some very cold months like -10 … Lol
I am thinking to go to the Next NYFW AND i will save your Post, it was very useful:)
Thank you:)
Love And Happy Tuesday
Open Kloset By Karina
Author
Hi dear, thanks so much for reading and the kind words! Glad this helps a bit, xo
This is the best guide for NYFW I read! I bookmarked it.
Great job! I love how you wrote about every aspect, it’s so helpful!
Btw, I loved all of your looks <3
Author
Thank you! SO glad this helps, thanks for reading!! Xo
I literally read every single word of this post and I am bookmarking it so that I have it for reference if I go to NYFW in the fall. I would be a newcomer like you and have never been to fashion week before, this is such a good reference for me. I am glad you broke it all down and provided an honest recap of your experience. I definitely want to go but all the planning and time stresses me out. Haha. Thanks for sharing this babe and I loved all your edgy looks that week! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Author
Thanks for the kind words Christine! I hope this helps a bit, I had no idea what I was doing before so I hope this helps guide the newbies in the right direction 🙂 let me know if you decide to go in Fall!! Xo
This is probably one of the most informative posts on NYFW that I’ve read! All the tips make sense, and I liked reading the “what I learned” section too because it makes the experience real to someone like me that hasn’t been. I really hope you enjoyed it, and all of your looks are on point!
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Author
Aw thank you! So happy this post is helping a bit with the ins and outs of FW 🙂 thanks for reading, xo
Great post and tips, sweetie!! love your styling, you look so chic!!!
Xx, Gina
Author
Thanks so much Gina! 🙂 Xo
Man, you did so well with that view from your bed!!! AHMAZIIIING!! Now, this is a cool idea to email the PR companies representing the brands showing, I probably should have done that last year, I didn’t get that organised. Love what you wore! The green puffer jacket look was my fave. Very cool.
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com
Author
Thank you!! Emailing the PR companies definitely helped me a ton, you should totally reach out to them next time! Thanks for reading, Xo
It looks like you had a whole lot of fun!!
xx
http://www.dylanasuarez.com
All your outfits were so on fleek for Fashion Week! Great guide through the ins and outs of fashion week in NYC. I love your super cool photos of your trip and the shows you went to. How gorgeous was that Club Monaco show?!
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Author
Thanks so much Jo! The Club Monaco presentation was so stunning! Definitely my favorite of the week. Thanks for reading! Xo
It is also one of my dream to be invited in NYFW, and i always curious how to get in with NYFW and luckily you included it in your tips. It’s really risk taking, you are in NY, stay in a hotel. What if no PRs response? OMG!
http://itsbeyondimaginations.blogspot.com/
Author
Hi Ann, thanks for reading the post! I know right! It can get super stressful but if you plan ahead you should be fine 🙂 Xo
I’m so glad you had a good first experience at NYFW. You definitely shared some useful tips that I will certainly use when I go!
http://www.thebeautybeau.com/
Author
So glad this post helped, thanks for reading! Xo
I really wanted to go this year, but I landed a new teaching job so I couldn’t miss any days…. I hope to plan a great NYFW trip next year with all your wonderful tips! This was seriously so helpful!! I loved your street style looks too!
Author
Aw thank you!! So glad this helps a bit. FW is crazy but if you can go, you definitely should! Congrats on your new job, xo
Such a dream hotel and you looked amazing! Thanks for the tips 😀
Author
Thank you! And thanks for reading! Xo