Working NYFW - Your Questions, My Behind-the-Scenes Look
This past week, I had the amazing opportunity of attending and working at New York Fashion Week. I got to work with the amazing PR team at Alice and Olivia and learned so much about what working in the fashion industry is like during fashion week.
While New York Fashion Week may conjure images of glamorous runway shows and fancy soirées Blair Waldorf would attend, there's a captivating world behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed. Today, I'm here to give you an exclusive glimpse into the inner workings of fashion week and address any questions that may have piqued your curiosity.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of someone working during New York Fashion Week?
Each day looks different when working during fashion week. It demands an unwavering commitment to long hours and the expectation of being on your feet around the clock. In the initial two days, my focus was primarily assisting the PR and styling team with VIP fittings. The goal was to create a seamless and personalized experience for each guest. I enjoyed selecting outfits that resonated with each guest's personal aesthetic and making sure they were wearing something unique and not worn by anyone else. The styling team and I collectively worked overtime to ensure that every guest left with an outfit they truly adored.
During the day of the show, my responsibilities were much different. I set up the backstage area for hair and makeup teams and set up a sponsor-supplied food and drink station for models and the staff to enjoy. I spent most of my day overseeing check-ins for staff, sponsors, and media, and ensuring backstage was clean and organized.
When showtime finally arrived, it was a moment of reward for all the hard work put in throughout the week. I had the privilege of enjoying the show firsthand, capturing memorable moments through photographs, and engaging in conversations with the attending guests.
What are the challenges and pressures that come with working during New York Fashion Week?
Working during New York Fashion Week, you quickly learn that not everything goes according to plan. The fast-paced atmosphere of New York intensifies, and the anticipation surrounding top designers' collections creates added pressure for companies to overcome.
One memorable challenge I encountered was the need to relocate fittings for VIP guests from the office to a store across the street, all on short notice. This situation demanded quick thinking and teamwork as we had to move heavy clothing racks down multiple stories and wheel the racks across the street in the blazing heat. I was impressed by my team’s adaptability and collaborative problem-solving skills - and it turned out to be a great workout!
Is there any advice you can offer someone who is thinking about interning or working freelance at NYFW?
Although I am still learning the ropes myself, there is a fair amount of advice that I can offer someone interested in working during New York Fashion Week. Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way.
1. Be stylish and sensible.
While a pair of pointed-toe heels may seem like the more fashionable choice, they aren’t practical for tackling the daily responsibilities of an intern or freelancer. Keep in mind that you will be on your feet for at least 10 hours a day running errands around the city, so opt for a comfortable pair of boots, or a fashionable pair of sneakers to compliment your outfit.
2. Be Confident…or at least fake it until you make it.
Confidence is key while navigating Fashion Week and building your network. You never know who you are gonna meet, so introduce yourself and be confident in who you are to make a memorable impression. You can bring business cards with you, or simply exchange emails with your co-workers to stay in touch.
3. Self-care is a must.
Taking care of yourself is wildly important when navigating through the whirlwind of fashion week. My post-New York flight left me more exhausted than ever and served as a reminder of the importance of self-care. That means staying hydrated (beyond the constant stream of lattes), eating fulfilling meals before and at work, and of course, getting a good night's rest. While the allure of glamorous after-parties may be tempting, your body is in dire need of rest - trust me.
In conclusion, I'm immensely grateful for my fashion week journey this year with Alice and Olivia. Through my stories, I aspire to have shared valuable advice to help you conquer NYFW next year.
