As you’ve seen from my recent posts, I just returned from my first New York Fashion Week (#NYFW). I think when people conjure up images about fashion week it’s all glitz and glam and running around town. That might be true in some ways. But, as a newer fashion blogger with a small following the experience is still drastically different. Here are the top five lessons I learned from my first New York Fashion Week.
Top 5 Tips for Preparing for New York Fashion Week
- Start to reach out to brands 4-6 weeks before the events – You need to reach out to brands with plenty of time before the shows. By the time I decided to attend it was really entirely too late. I received a few invites, but I knew that I’d mostly be networking with other #girlboss bloggers (which is very worthwhile!), trying to meet some brands for potential collaborations, and just learning from my first NYFW experience. The full NYFW schedule is typically posted here and you can find contacts on Modem Online. As an alternative, look at the ‘Contact’ pages on the brands website, specifically one for PR or events.
- Your Media Kit needs to be developed – Having a media kit developed is essential as a blogger to help brands understand you, your style, and your audience. Prepare yours in advance so that you can do your follow up with the people you meet quickly. This will also help you capitalize on your connections. As a member of Style Collective, they offer a free template. I highly recommend joining Style Collective if you aren’t already a member. In addition to media kits, you can find sample contract templates and chat with other girls heading to NYFW. It’s an incredible resource. You can also grab a template on sites like Creative Market.
- You shouldn’t try to keep up with the Joneses – It’s Fall fashion week, but you’re looking at the Spring collections and New York weather does not always cooperate. I really wanted to rock my over-the-knee boots, chunky sweaters and transitional wear for Fall. But, NYC wasn’t having it! Temps hit the 90’s the first few days and over-the-knee boots aren’t realistic in that kind of weather. You’re undoubtedly going to see fashions It Girls, other bloggers and style mavens in designer name brands and just-off-the-shelf items for Fall. You don’t have to follow suit. Do not buy the latest things to bring with you to wear. Baby steps, ladies. Just be true to your style and yourself and that is more than enough.
- The fashion week traffic is no joke! – I gave myself 45 minutes to get from Midtown to the Meatpacking District for my meeting at the Gigi New York pop-up shop on Friday. It would normally take about 25 minutes to get over there. But, on that day it took me AN HOUR! If you’re going to make it to the shows on time that you DO get invited to you need to leave incredibly early. And, be sure you’re in the area. Or, you’ll miss out.
- You need to be on Fashion GPS Radar – What is GPS Radar you ask? The simple answer is that it’s the key to going to runway shows at fashion week. You have to be invited or “in the industry” to be accepted. I quickly found out that my “@yahoo” email quickly disqualified me. I took care of getting my official blog email set up, but it was too late. GPS Radar gets you invites to events and shows and helps you manage them. It’s imperative – hands down.
I hope these tips and tricks are helpful for you if you’re looking to attend New York Fashion Week! I’m happy to answer any questions if you leave a comment below! Be sure to check out my posts on NYFW essentials and my outfits here and here!
