My New York Fashion Week Experience

So I went to a show at New York Fashion Week. I’m still in shock. Granted, I wasn’t quite esteemed enough to have a seat, but I did get to attend an incredible fashion show as press. I’d stand in heels for an hour any day if it meant getting to witness the magic of a runway.

I attended the Sherri Hill Fall 2017 show and if her name sounds familiar it’s because you most definitely drooled over her gowns when you were shopping for prom. My prom Pinterest board was flooded with Sherri Hill’s dresses and although I couldn’t quite splurge, I was happy to be fawning over them. Even now, as a college student who can even less so afford the dresses, I’m still just as happy to be admiring them.

I covered the event for a media company and was lucky enough to bring along my main blog photographer (and best friend!). Everything in the show looked incredibly dazzling and sparkly and I was almost blinded. Aside from death and taxes, one thing in life is sure: Nothing sparkles quite like a Sherri Hill gown under spotlights. 

Now, I’m not sure if this applies to every show at NYFW but this is what I learned from this particular experience.

1. If you act important and knowledgeable, you’ll seem that way.

Honestly? I had no idea what I was doing. First, we entered in the wrong entrance which somehow brought us backstage. We encountered models getting ready and eating food as well as important looking rooms before eventually finding our way. I was a little concerned that we had managed to go to the room where the models were without even being noticed or kicked out, but it was cool nonetheless.

I didn’t have a press pass or anything to outwardly show who I was. The only thing that granted me access was walking with my head held high. I was very surprised that no one really questioned why I was there or told me I couldn’t photograph or walk in a certain place. I mean, I was BACKSTAGE and ON THE RUNWAY and no one even batted a false eyelash. I felt awkward, but I looked like I should be there (I guess).

2. Taking pictures at a NYFW show is difficult.

Duh, right? The lighting is so bright, there are a ton of shadows and someone’s head is going to ruin a lot of pictures. Also, the models walk quickly. I’m very thankful I had my friend to take photos for me because my photos came out pretty terrible and I was busy taking notes on the looks.

Even the non-runway photos had their own difficulties. I don’t think a single photo from the night is without an inconvenient shadow or yellow light! I’m glad I took a few photos before the show.

That turquoise dress pictured above was one of my favorites! As you can see, however, heads got in the way of the other model’s legs and feet.

3. Celebrities run out of there the second the show ends.

Some of the celebrities in attendance were Dove Cameron, Bethany Mota and Danielle Campbell. I was standing near them (the back of Dove’s head is in most of my photos) but was unable to approach them. Dove and Danielle took photos with fans before the show but Bethany arrived a second before the show began to avoid being harassed.

In case you’re curious, you can see the side of Lisa Rinna’s head and the back of Dove’s head in the first picture of this post!

They also all sprinted out of there right after the show, which is understandable. I was disappointed I didn’t get to actually meet any of them, but they do look as fabulous in person as they do on screen.

4. Bring a small bag!

I had a large tote with me and I kept hitting people with it and apologizing. I also hated lugging it around. I didn’t need the majority of the items in the tote and, should I be lucky enough to attend NYFW again, I’ll be bringing a crossbody.

5. Take advantage of the experience.

Before the show a bunch of girls took photos on the runway and I wanted a photo as well but was hesitant because I felt like I didn’t belong. Luckily, my friend nudged me to snap a picture because why not? Everyone was taking photos and it was an amazing opportunity. It wasn’t breaking any rule, so just do it!

Additionally, the designer Sherri Hill was meeting people after the show and posing for photos. Once again, I felt weird going up to her because she was busy meeting beauty queens and important looking people, but I did anyway and was glad to have met someone who creates such gorgeous dresses. We also caught the crew wheeling out all of the runway dresses, which was pretty interesting to see.

6. The show itself is really short.

The majority of time was spent walking around the venue, looking for celebrities and taking notes for my article. The show probably lasted less than fifteen minutes. Unfortunately, this means the time you get to view each look is very brief. Between taking notes and going on my tip toes to see above other people’s heads, I probably saw each look for five seconds.

7. The show doesn’t start on time.

The show was scheduled for 5:30 but ended up starting at around 6:00. Fashionably late, am I right? It was funny to me how many times they announced for everyone to take their seats and how many times everyone ignored it.

Although the show doesn’t start on time you should still arrive early. I arrived at the venue half an hour before the show, which gave me plenty of time to check in, check my coat, snap photos and find a good place to stand during the show.

8. Getting dolled up is the best part.

Although it’s definitely not a requirement to get dolled up for NYFW, I took it as such. I mean, any occasion that allows me to wear a sparkly dress, apply false lashes and curl my hair will result in me doing just that.

All in all, it was a fun night! I’m a very happy girl to be able to check attending New York Fashion Week off of my bucket list. I also want Sherri Hill’s entire collection but sadly lack the funds and events to wear the dresses to.

Which designer’s show would you love to attend?