I asked you guys to submit your questions about NYFW on my Instagram Stories and received a lot of feedback.
I know NYFW can seem like one of those every influencer, beauty blogger, fashion blogger, celebrity, etc. attends these and no one really knows what they do besides sit at shows, post models on runways, pose for cameras on the streets, and so forth.
That is why I wanted to sit down and put together a post that answers all the questions you want to know about NYFW.
Q: How do you start planning for NYFW?
If you've been following my blog for awhile, you'll know that I am a hardcore planner.
I plan everything -- from what I'll be doing in a day to what I'll be doing the upcoming weekend... everything. NYFW is no different. It can be very overwhelming at times, so I start with the basics and work my way through.
Since it's usually a week long, I'll plan out seven looks. Sometimes, more. It depends on which brands I'm working with during NYFW. Otherwise, I'll coordinate what looks I want to wear, when they are reasonable to wear it, depending on weather or who is shooting me, or what events I'm wearing it to. After coordinating looks, I'll plan out my times with presentations, meetings, and events. Since there is always overlap, I'll have to pick and choose which ones make most sense to me. And then, I move on to who is shooting each look for me and what their schedule is for that day. If it doesn't work out, I'll plan to shoot the looks on another day.
All in all, it gets more complicated while planning, but that's why I recommend planning earlier so you can avoid any last minute changes that could put a dent in your schedule.
However, sometimes things do not go as planned and that is still OKAY. I know that from experience, so I try to breathe and remind myself that it's OKAY if I don't get the shot or capture something that I've planned for a long time.
Q: What is your favorite thing about NYFW?
The street style and the events.
I get really excited seeing all the street style snapped on the streets outside the venues and everywhere in NYC. It's all about creativity and capturing the right perspective and angles in an outfit + location. It's so inspiring to watch and be a part of it all.
Q: What was your favorite trend for NYFW this season?
My favorite were the hair clips, tbh. I wore them a lot this past season -- not only because I love an extra bling, but it also helped pin my hair back 😂
Q: How far in advance do you plan for NYFW?
In the past, I planned at least 2-3 months in advance. When I first flew up to NYC for NYFW, I was in college at UNC-Chapel Hill. That meant coordinating hotel collaborations, meetings with brands, PR agencies, showrooms ahead of time. Let's not forget there were also photography shoots to capture the looks for every day. Now that I live in NYC, I try to plan at least 2 weeks to a month before fashion week.
Q: As a blogger, is it important to go to NYFW?
I say yes and no.
Just because you don't attend NYFW as a blogger doesn't mean you won't succeed. I see NYFW as a way to dive into the world of fashion straight on, and experience runway shows and how the fashion and PR industry operates in real-time. It's quite an experience, especially for those who don't live the hustle and bustle NYC lifestyle, and gives people the understanding of what it's all about. That being said, I also see it more as a big networking week. It's the chance to meet the people you've been conversing with over email in person. When I was in college, I always tried to contact the brands and agencies I worked with or wanted to meet with ahead of time because to me, setting up meetings were just as important (if not more) than attending shows. If you have the time to sit down and meet with the people you work with, absolutely take it.
Q: How do you get invited? Can you reach out to companies for invites?
We use GPS Radar for most of the NYFW shows. (It's an app and website that you need to get approval on to attend NYFW as a blogger/content creator/YouTuber/influencer, etc.)
On GPS Radar, you can request access to shows and RVSP with the tap of a button.
There are also shows that aren't on GPS Radar, and you cannot get invited to those, unless you know the company or the company reaches out to you. You can research which PR agencies handle which designers, and send them an email saying you're interested in attending. However, just keep in mind that people who work in PR are extremely busy during NYFW and most of them won't be able to even open your email. So do not take it personally if you don't get a response.
Reach out in advance if there's a presentation you really want to see and explain to them that you'd be willing to share coverage of the presentation on your socials.
It doesn't hurt to try. You never know what could happen!
Q: How many shows did you attend?
This past season, I attended 5 shows. I didn't attend a lot of shows because I felt drained on some of the days and didn't want to do too much. Something I want to highlight about NYFW is that there's always pressure during it -- pressure to look your best, pressure to wear the best, pressure to capture all the best moments, pressure to attend everything and still have it all together -- and more often than not... it's not reasonable. I had to hit pause for some of the days and remind myself that I didn't have to do everything. Your health is far more important, and even though I had to say no to a lot of things, I knew it was for the best.
Q: Do you have to have a certain amount of followers to go?
I don't believe a number should define your worth. Therefore, anyone can attend NYFW. That doesn't mean you'll be able to attend all the shows, but you can still be a part of the NYFW street style action. and parties. There's always tons of photographers lined up outside the venues, and this is also your chance to coordinate with a photographer and get some cool New York City street shots. I also would recommend meeting with brands and agencies to discuss collaborations you want to partake in for the year, and really, really network. That is key.
Here's also a good article for NYFW events that anyone can attend here.
Q: Is it better to go with someone? I get really nervous about going to events by myself.
I've always been the kind of person who never felt nervous or pressure about attending events and shows by myself. I think it has to do with the fact that I go about things with the intention of getting something done. Whether that's shooting the runway show, meeting new people, or whatever the case may be, I don't put myself in situations where I'll blindly go in somewhere without knowing what I'm getting myself into.
But NYFW is always fun with a friend, so I definitely recommend it! That way, you two can take each other's photos without having to worry about constantly asking someone.
Q: Not a NYFW question... but can you review your Gucci velvet bag?
Does it require a lot of care? Does the shape hold?
This Gucci velvet bag is from Rebag. It does not require a lot of care, but obviously you should be careful with any designer bag that you own. The shape does hold, and it's actually pretty spacious inside! I wear it as a crossbody and as a shoulder bag. I personally think it's a great size because it fits all your essentials for someone constantly on-the-go.
You can check out more designer bags from Rebag here.
Have any more NYFW-related questions?
Let me know! I'd be happy to answer any more that you have 😊
Thank you to everyone who submitted questions! Hope this was helpful!
