This past week, I was blessed with the opportunity to partake in my first ever New York Fashion Week experience since moving to the Big Apple. I got to hang out with my favorite blogger babes and get a first-hand look at the beautiful mayhem that graces the fashion world twice a year.
On Wednesday, I attended a Fashion Week kickoff event held by Fohr Card, an influencer marketing firm that seeks to bring brands and creative influencers together to make all sorts of wondrous magic. There, I got to reunite with my best gals and network with other creatives like myself, from bloggers and photographers to budding musicians and rappers.
On Saturday, I attended ShopStyle Social House, and I am not exaggerating when I say that this was one of the most riveting days of my young life. In short, the event exists to connect influencers with ShopStyle brand partners to create the ultimate Fashion Week experience.
When I stepped into Canoe Studios (the location of Social House), I couldn’t believe my eyes. There were racks on racks of clothes by designers I could only DREAM of affording. Here’s the best part, though: these clothes were available for the taking–for a few days, that is. Attendees were allowed to pick out one or two items of their choice to “rent” for free for the remaining duration of Fashion Week. The only catch–items were first come, first serve. Luckily, being one of the early birds, I immediately snagged a leather jacket by The Arrivals and ended up wearing it all weekend long. Dropping it off at FedEx yesterday was unfortunate, to say the least.
That’s not all this event had to offer. Inside another room was a full-on GLAM SQUAD!!! Team members from The Glam App were available on-site to do hair and nails, while Credo Beauty gave makeovers and quick touch-ups using all-natural, eco-friendly beauty products. I’ve already gone to town on the goody bags they gifted us with post-pampering.
And to think the fun stopped there. No siree, Bob! There were complimentary champagne and juice bars at our disposal, as well as some light bites that had been passed around (including a mini avocado toast that brought out the most of the basic bitch in me). Furthermore, GiGi New York gave everyone customized file folders that are so incredibly cute, they put all other forms of paper storage to shame. Last, but not least, there was a street style photographer available to shoot everyone’s looks! Pics or it didn’t happen, amirite?
Now, for the most exciting part: the shows! I was originally scheduled to attend five shows between Saturday and Sunday, most of which were held at Skylight Clarkson SQ. Unfortunately, due to some shows’ organizational issues and my overall exhaustion from boppin’ around Chelsea all weekend, I only made it to Francesca Liberatore and Leanne Marshall.
Francesca Liberatore holds significance as my first runway show in the books. It got me thinking how surreal it is to be sharing a space with the designers, photographers and models who bring the art of fashion to life. The hustle and hard work that goes into creating a successful 10-15 minute spectacle, as well as the looks themselves, should not go unrecognized.
Of course, just as my friends and I were about to be admitted into the gallery for Leanne Marshall, security told us they were at capacity (*tears*), so we had to watch the show on the big screen outside the gallery. Honestly, it wasn’t the worst thing in the world because we got to see close-up views of the designs, which were all stunning.
I opted to take it easy this season, given that I didn’t want to be overwhelmed as a first-timer. Albeit fun, NYFW is definitely a learning experience. Why, do you ask? All will be revealed on my upcoming future feature post for Elsewhere Magazine, where I’ll be discussing how to survive NYFW with the right attitude and preparation. Stay tuned! 🙂
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