For us, New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is one of the most sought after event invitations of the year, and by us I mean the bloggerazzi elite. I started going to Fashion Weeks in 2009 and eased into the situation with Miami…and by all accounts Miami is the shaded hammock of Fashion Weeks.

Truth. NYFW is the cold, unforgiving ground.

Being a bit more senior to the scene, Brian Dowling of Dowling Photography and I thought it would be a cool idea to invite our LA blogger buddies to a little dinner chat session, topic: How to Survive NYFW.

As the “dinner party” came and went not much fashion week talk occurred, but I’m pretty content with having met some incredible individuals that I hope to know for a life time. That being said, I still have some friendly advice to give for those popping their Fashion Week…well you know…in the concrete jungle where dreams are made of:

• Plan your outfits. No, you’re not going to attend over 100 shows…it’s just not possible. But you will be moving non-stop and planning ahead will save you loads of time. Pick your outfits out in advance. Create a lookbook on your phone or laptop of what goes with what. Group them together in your luggage. Always be ready to GO.
• Wear comfortable shoes. This is one time where style over comfort does not apply. You’ll be constantly moving, fighting for position, running, etc. It is better to be nimble than be easily pushed over.
• Plan your shows and be there early. My first fashion week I made a hit list and look book of all the designers I wanted to see. I knew their stats, previous season and hopes for this season. Showing up early can sometimes be all that’s needed to nab you a seat versus standing only…and if you’re early you might just get a scoop that others would die for.
• Either smile or keep your mouth closed. Smiling makes you more approachable and networking is the name of the game. Keeping your mouth closed makes you less likely to look awkward if you get caught in a photo op.
• Oh, and in terms of networking…be nice to everyone. Genuinely nice, not fake nice. Be interested. The interns have been working longer and harder than you can imagine, so treat them like geniune GOLD and they will remember you.
• Power Bars/Red Bull/Chewing gum. If you have time for anything else you’re doing something wrong or you’re not where you’re supposed to be.
• Come prepared. Use your phone as your notepad. Bring a point-and-shoot that rocks and leave the DSLR at home or in the hotel. If you’re not shooting from the pit your pocket cam will be much better and much less hassle than that $1,500 Nikon. Also bring 250 business cards and pass them out like candy.
• I would tell you to respect seating arrangements, but you probably won’t be seated, so be happy with what you get.
• Oh, and watch out for blood/powder/feces throwers. Not joking.

That’s the best of it. If you have questions or comments, please leave them below.

I hope this helps!

- Coug

Photos featuring Stephanie from Honey & Silk, Emily from Stiletto Beats, Lillian from Studs & Sapphires, Elizabeth from A Keene Sense of Style, An from Haute Pink Pretty, Rachel Meis from Rachel Meis Communication and Bianca the incredible Hairstylist/MUA.