New York Fashion Week isn’t all air kisses and gift bags, it is actually a rigorous marathon of presentations, runway shows, product launches and events scattered all over the island of Manhattan. Stylists are competing to pull the best runway looks, publicists are making sure designers show their best pieces to important attendees, and editors are documenting the trends they see in real time. With no breaks and no time to kick off your heels (literally), it can be overwhelming for even the most seasoned fashion insiders. Here is a peek at what fashion week is like for an editor, straight from the iPhone of our Editorial Manager, Nicky Deam.
Backstage
Peter Som and Jonathan Cohen
Heading backstage at a fashion show is a huge privilege and a very special experience. You get to hear what inspired the collection, see the clothes up close and learn about everything from new projects to styling tricks, straight from the source.
Front Row
Rodarte, Ralph Lauren and Anna Sui
Of course the runway shows are inspiring, but often the action in the front row—be it famous editors or celebrity fans—is just as exciting. And with a pit of rambunctious photographers and bustling publicists at the end of the runway, the energy is infectious—all in the name of a 12-minute catwalk production.
Energy On The Go
Most days you leave the house at 7 a.m. and don't get home until 11 p.m., which means every meal is on the run. At the beginning of the week that translates to grabbing a juice or smoothie but toward the end, the street vendors win you over.
High-Octane Glamour
Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Prabal Gurung
Barring red carpets, seeing gowns in real life isn't a common occurence. Seeing the dramatic final looks at Prabal Gurung and Ralph Lauren or watching top models like Karlie Kloss saunter down the runway at Oscar de la Renta reminds you that fashion is in fact an art form.
Party Time
Altuzarra for Target, Banks performing at the R29 Clubhouse, the Cushnie et Ochs' after party.
Fashion Week parties are a great time to catch up with industry friends, visit new hot spots and take a breath. Live performances and breathtaking views are the icing on the cake.
Preparation is Key
Many attendees travel from around the world and stay in hotels, so maintaining a sense of normalcy can be hard. Packing strategically, sleeping as much as possible, squeezing in a workout and always ordering dessert are just a few of the important rules to live by.
Showgoing
With up to 8 shows a day, it's important to stay organized. Arriving and leaving shows means battling through crowds of street-style photographers and dodging traffic, all while in heels. If you don't know where you're going and how you're getting there ahead of time, you're dead in the water.
