The best way to sneak into something you weren’t invited to… just show up! Now we're certainly not endorsing any form of party crashing White House state dinner style, but there are most definitely ways to involve yourself in the ultra-exclusive world of Fashion Week without a coveted invitation. Whether you are a college student who found herself in New York, London, Milan, or Paris amidst the bustle of Fashion Week or just are visiting during those weeks to stalk the hype, here are some tips to getting as close to "killing" Fashion Week as possible:
(Warning: guidlines only for the truly fashion obsessed)
Research!- You’re only as informed as you make yourself: google schedules, google designers (young or established), know which designers show in which city and pick out your favorites! Find the areas where the shows have been previous years and the places fashion insiders go to eat, drink or relax in between shows. Several venues (especially in Paris, which we are most familiar with) are Fashion Week veterans. The Grand Palais, Hôtel de Ville and the Tuileries are very popular venues every Paris Fashion Week
Study street style archives- See who has attended past fashion weeks. If their name is listed, look them up. See what they do, what brought them to fashion week, how long they’ve been in the industry and what they’ve worn. Remember their faces for later. Study celebrities' relationships to certain designers, it will more likely than not tell you who will be where if you're wanting to spot someone in particular *cough, cough A$AP Rocky* Style wise: What kinds of styles are you attracted to? What kind of shows do your style icons attend? Pay attention to where your style inspirations get their style inspiration.
Search hashtags- Designers usually won’t publicly release the address of their show, but sometimes bloggers will post the pictures of invitations on Instagram or their Instagram stories a couple of hours before the show. Take some screenshots & zoom, see if you can peep an address.
Dress the part- Break out a street style worthy outfit (from your work in #2) without going over the top. You’re “attending" fashion week to observe as a seasoned vet *wink, wink*. Suggestion: high waisted jeans, statement top, interesting shades, and sneakers. Comfy, mysterious, eye-catching, and gives you the ability to run if you only have a split second to get to another show. Overall the best thing you can wear is confidence and an attitude that shows you belong there. Who knows? Some photographers may even stop to take your picture.
Be a stalker (legally)- Sit outside the shows, observe, watch, reminisce in the moment. See who walks into the shows, what they’re wearing, and how they present themselves. Did your studying pay off? See if you can spot any famous editors, bloggers, or fashions insiders. You may not be able to talk to them but it is fun to watch them on the job.
Take notes- Do you notice any trends? What was your favorite outfit? What look didn’t quite work for you? Did you spot any new combinations? This is fashion research and analysis ladies, and it’ll only help you learn. I suggest secretly taking pics of girls you admire (not that I’ve done that or anything) just for future reference.
Break time- Find a cafe, restaurant, coffee shop, wine bar etc that is in a neighborhood where fashion people frequent. Repeat #5 and #6 while also chatting about your adventures with your friends, or with yourself.
Go shopping- Sometimes big department stores will host fashion shows or events that are open to the public. See if any of these events interest you and take advantage of these opportunities.
Set Goals- Do you want to take part in this fashion week madness? If so, how will you get there and what is the role that you want to play in this industry? Take your knowledge and conquer your dreams.
Repeat ALL- you can’t just do this once and be satisfied. You need to get out there and inform yourself about the fashion world! There’s a reason its called fashion month now, and you need to build up your stamina if you want to attend someday!