This past week, I had an amazing opportunity to attend NYFW as a fashion blogger! I’ve done several fashion weeks professionally as a model, but it was a completely different experience attending the events on the other side of the runway!
I went with a close friend and had a blast! However, knew I had to share my experiences so you would learn from my successes, mistakes, and plan accordingly if you dream of attending this amazing celebration of fashion!
Planning Is Key
Real talk, we planned our trip in advance quite a bit. However, even when you think you’ve planned enough, plan more. We got off track from our trip plan despite our best intentions, and we didn’t take into account how New York traffic would impact our schedule!
We booked an Airbnb 20 minutes from all the places we planned to be. However, NY traffic is always going, and it took about 40 minutes to get where we needed to go and we missed the show we really wanted to attend!
We booked a hotel as close as possible to the show locations and were able to recover, but don’t underestimate travel time and traffic! Best location to stay
Stay in the Heart of the City
When planning your trip, look for hotels in Tribeca, Chelsea, Manhattan, or SoHo. The closer you are to show locations, the more opportunity you have to change before every show (a tradition at NYFW!)
Plan For Show Time
Most shows usually start 30 minutes late on average, but that doesn’t mean you should take check-in lightly! Depending on your invite status, there could be lines to navigate!
You should also take this into account when planning your show “wishlist”. Since shows don’t usually start on time, it could impact your ability to arrive at other key shows and check-in.
Most shows are only 7-10 minutes (longer if there is entertainment before and after) which can make for a constant feeling of running around and not being able to catch a breath!
Definitely strategize to keep your sanity (and your hair in place!).
Bring a Crew
If you can manage it, it’s ideal to come to the shows with an assistant and your own photographer. That way, you can keep on schedule and get key shots for your NYFW features without stressing about it!
Like I mentioned before, if you book a hotel close enough, you can take small breaks in between shows and change outfits for key events. If you’re far away, this can be really difficult!
Stay Hydrated
Make sure to bring water with you and remember to drink it regularly! Some shows have cafeterias at the location or nearby, but larger shows like Cynthia Rowley or Tom Ford take place around parts of the city. Cynthia Rowley’s show happened on a street, and Tom Ford’s show took place in a subway!
Get Glam
If you’re good at your own hair and makeup, that’s great! However, it’s a lifesaver to schedule appointments in advance with nearby hair and makeup artists for content photoshoots. Or, bring a trusted expert with you on your team to make sure you’re looking camera-ready and iconic at each show!
On that note, OVERPACK on outfits. NYFW is a great opportunity to see and be seen, and it’s a celebration of fashion and haute couture. If you can manage looks for every show, you should.
Overall, I loved the experience and I’m so ready to attend again! This time, I’ll be even more ready for shows and events.
Related: Fall Fashion Featuring Revolve
Have you ever been to NYFW or have you scoured the features pouring out of the amazing collections making their debut? Drop your favorite looks and designers below!
[…] Earlier this month I jet-setted to New York for my favorite occasion of the year, New York Fashion Week! […]