7 Things I Learned at NYFW

7 Things I Learned at NYFW

Top: Zara (similar here and here); Pants: Zara (similar here and here); Shoes: Zara (similar here and here)

After spending 3 whirlwind days in New York for fashion week, I’m back at home in Toronto, in my PJs and ready to sleep for a whole 12 hours tonight. This was my second time attending NYFW, so I thought it would be fun to round up the 7 things I learned from my second season.

There’s a lot of waiting
Shows almost always start at least 30 minutes late, so don’t sweat it if you’re running a little behind. Last season, I arrived at all of my shows about 30 minutes early, which meant I didn’t have to wait in line to check in. But it also meant that I had to wait longer for the shows to start.

You’ll miss a few shows
And that’s okay. Considering how packed the days are and how spread apart the shows are, this is bound to happen.

Celebrities are people too
I’ve never been someone who’s easily starstruck. It just seems awkward to go ask someone for a picture and fangirl when they’re just another person. So seeing people lose their minds over a celebrity has never really made sense to me. What’s nice about fashion week is that celebrities are treated like people. Of course, they are photographed incessantly both inside and outside the shows, but for the most part, attendees of the shows leave them alone and mind their own business.

Don’t say yes to everything
Last season, as a rookie, I RSVPed yes to every show I was invited to. This was a big mistake because I felt like I was spread too thin and was spending most of my day running around in a frenzy. This season, I decided to only say yes to a few shows and use the rest of the time to work and explore the city.

You’ll meet new people
The world of fashion has a very Devil Wears Prada reputation. However, from my experience, this isn’t always the case. Granted there are mean girls and guys out there, but I’ve always believed in kindness attracting kindness. People fly in from every part of the world for fashion week, so you’d be surprised at how easy it is to strike up a conversation with the person next to you. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people.

You will be equal parts exhausted and excited the whole time
Fashion week is a time like no other. I felt myself in a strange territory between exhaustion and excitement the whole time I was there. The exhaustion from early mornings and all the waiting was almost perfectly balanced out by the excitement of the actual events. I was running on adrenaline the whole time I was there.

Overheard at Fashion Week
I heard some of the most entertaining and/or appalling conversations before shows. You’ll hear everything from how difficult someone is to work with, to things like, “yea it was my grandma’s funeral, but I couldn’t just miss fashion week”.

You’ll leave feeling inspired
If you peel back all the layers showmanship, the fact of the matter is that fashion week is a time when people with a deep appreciation for clothing come together to celebrate it. It’s a really wonderful time to visit any of the fashion capitals because they come alive. You’ll leave feeling inspired by the street style, the beautiful shows you watch, and the contagious go-getter energy.

Photography by Andrew Morales

Follow:
Share:

28 Comments

  1. September 11, 2017 / 3:00 pm

    Ok, firstly.. this outfit!! SO GOOD! Also, although I have never been to fashion week (aside from our local fashion week.. which starts tomorrow coincidentally!) I imagine this is exactly what it would be like.. crazy, tiring but oh so fun too! Hope you had the best time babe!
    x Emily
    http://shedoes.com.au

  2. Tamara
    September 11, 2017 / 3:31 pm

    Fashion week is crazy fun with lots of ups and downs but as you said you leave so inspired and motivated by the end of it making it worth all the fatigue and running around!

    XoXo,

    Tamara – LoveofMode.com

  3. September 11, 2017 / 5:57 pm

    I wish I could go to fashion week. All the pictures that I saw looked so incredible. I love your outfit by the way, it’s perfect for fashion week because it’s stylish and unique.
    http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

  4. Amy
    September 11, 2017 / 7:59 pm

    I love this post! I agree with all these things! So glad you had fun and love this look.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  5. September 11, 2017 / 10:08 pm

    Great tips. I used to go to New York fashion week. Last time I attended was 6 or 7 years ago. I don’t think Instagram even existed yet. However I’m not crazy about it anymore. Maybe is because I’m more of a laid back person. I honestly dislike noise or too crowded places.
    As for your outfit, you look amazing! I’m obsessed with those boots. Xx

  6. September 12, 2017 / 6:16 am

    This is a really interesting article idea and also something interesting to read as someone who did not attend. I would love to go to NYFW someday!

    https://styledwithamanda.blogspot.com

  7. September 12, 2017 / 6:32 am

    It must be so tiring but you learned useful things that work in many situation! Thank you for sharing!

    http://violettedaily.com

  8. September 12, 2017 / 7:04 am

    This outfit is SO killer on you girl and can we have a second to talk about these BOOTS?! Oh my! I had better see these appear lots in Winter on you, haha!
    Glad you had a good time at NYFW even though you came out of it exhausted, always the way! You’ve earned the PJ time 😉

    Ashleigh x
    http://www.ashleighdmello.com

  9. Tina
    September 12, 2017 / 7:34 am

    This is a really good insight into FW! I really like your tip about saying no – it’s so true about collaborations too! I also can’t believe someone missed their grandma’s funeral….

    Anyways, thanks for sharing this!! I love your red sock booties!

    Tina
    http://www.justatinabit.com

  10. Julia R
    September 12, 2017 / 12:33 pm

    I have never been to Fashion Week, and I’m not sure I would have the energy! However, if I ever do go I will certainly follow your advice and not say yes to everything!
    On another note, you look stunning! Love the red boots!
    Julia x
    http://www.thevelvetrunway.com

  11. September 12, 2017 / 1:00 pm

    What a great post, Siffat ♥ Love all your points and even though berlin fashion week is much smaller, a lot of points I can relate to 🙂
    NYC is such a dream for me, hopefully I’ll be there one day too attending some shows but as you say – we are all just humans and it is so important so stay kind and polite (especially in an environment like fashion industry 😉

    Great Look – love your boots ♥

    xxx
    Tina

    http://styleappetite.com

  12. September 12, 2017 / 1:07 pm

    This is super cool, love the outfit and how the shoes pop a bit of colour. Seems like you learned a lot! Id love to go to something like this one day!
    Isabelle
    http://www.isabelleelli.blogspot.com

  13. September 12, 2017 / 1:47 pm

    I’d LOVE to be able to attend NYFW! Your stories are lovely to read and I’m loving your outfit shots!

    Have an amazing day!

    xx Kris | https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com

  14. September 12, 2017 / 3:44 pm

    Hahahaha some funny things I learned from this. But still it’s really fun for you to be able to attend nyfw! Nice pictures btw looking stunning! xx

    VVEEKEND 101

  15. September 12, 2017 / 4:01 pm

    Must be amazing to attend NYFW, would love to someday, such a dream! When I’ll attend I will remember these lessons 💖 Also, your outfit is gorgeous, that pop of red from the boots !

    xo
    http://www.carinavardie.com

  16. September 12, 2017 / 6:28 pm

    You look amazing!! I’ve still never attended NYFW but I’ve been living vicariously through all of the other bloggers who did! Hope you had a wonderful time.

    xx, Amy
    https://www.theluxilook.com

  17. September 12, 2017 / 9:02 pm

    Whoa those are some red hot boots! And I totally agree I bet you left so inspired from seeing all the shows.

    xx Yasmin
    http://banglesandbungalows.com

  18. September 12, 2017 / 9:08 pm

    I really do love this post! I plan on attending NYFW next year, I didn’t attend this year because of my social anxiety (and I’m a “fashion blogger” which is all about socializing lol) but now I’m starting to regret it. I’m glad you had a blast at NYFW, even though it can get hectic, it sounds like you still loved it!!

    Nicole / http://www.nicolegramcko.com

  19. September 13, 2017 / 12:53 am

    This sounds like such an amazing experience and you look like a street style star in those red boots!

    District of Chic

  20. September 13, 2017 / 6:03 am

    those red boots girl! so good! and omg i will never get over that someone missed their grandma’s funeral for fashion week?! That is crazy!

    http://www.prettyinleather.net

  21. September 15, 2017 / 5:13 am

    Such a lovely read dear. Yes, celebs are people too. Unfortunately, most people forget that. By the way, that’s an awesome outfit you got there, love the lace up top, and those shoes are really lovely!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

  22. September 15, 2017 / 11:16 am

    I’ve never attended fashion week before but thanks for sharing these lessons, they’re insightful and will definitely come in handy if I ever do attend. xx
    Coco Bella Blog

Let’s Be Friends