POV: lessons learned attending as a 2023 newbie...
With NYFW quickly coming around the corner, I was reveling in the story of how I lost my NYFW virginity last year. Let’s just say, you could tell it was my first time. All the mistakes were made, and it was just a little tragic.
A Tragic Beginning:
In the days leading up to NYFW I did what I always do: changed my mind on an outfit I bought in advance and ended up hating it last minute, then shopped for a new outfit in the eleventh hour. I ended up going with a two piece sequence set from Windsor.
My friend got two free tickets because she worked for a dress shop (to this day I couldn’t even tell you the name of it. Anyway, who was I to question where the coveted tickets came from?)
The day of the show we determined driving would be easier because my friend had a beaded dress that she fully intended on returning after and didn’t want to wear it on the train and risk her return. We arrived very nearly late, and for some reason I didn’t bother with my hair or makeup (as I never do). Once we battled through NYC traffic and got to the parking garage we knew we’d be changing in the car. Exactly like in Princess Diaries when Anne Hathaway changed in the back seat of her limo, banging heads on the ceiling and all. Except nothing like Princess Diaries because we didn’t have the luxury of privacy. We had the creeping parking garage attendants all around us (super fun). Once we changed, we hustled to get our bearings and make our way. Somehow we ended up walking in stilettos... "somehow" being that we were too cheap for an Uber. It was a 10 minute walk from the show and because we desperately parked in a garage we severely overpaid.
The Entrance:
Hundreds of incredibly sleek and sexy models, influencers, and high society people entered a gorgeous glass building from limos and car services. My friend and I approached the building as street rats, after scurrying along the edge of the sidewalks to get minimal awning coverage in an attempt to avoid the rain. We entered the building wet and frizzy alongside flawless socialites. In case you’re wondering, no, we didn’t have that sexy, misty look, we were full on sweaty and out of breath. Post workout vibes.
After that point there really wasn’t much we could’ve done to fix our appearances. We were simply happy to be there so we committed to slinking in the shadows. We walked into the room with the runway and were greeted by a champagne wall. The entire setup was like a party from a movie: fabulous and expensive. They had two open bars, enough said.
Because we felt (and honestly looked) out of place, we left pretty promptly after the catwalk and a few free glasses of champagne. We ended up getting late night tacos in the trek back to CT.
It was a fairy tail night that would’ve been even better with an ounce of planning. All that to say, if you’re lucky enough to slip your way into attending any NYFW shows do yourself a massive favor and spend time on getting ready and proper transportation.
Don’t be like 2023 me - here’s some quick tips if you’re attending NYFW as a newbie this year:
Show up and show out. Rent or buy a nice dress then return it. Bonus points if you wear something from the designer who is hosting the show
Spend time on glam. Get a professional blowout and makeup done
Give yourself a micro moment of joy to boost your confidence before walking in. Play your favorite hype song, grab a drink beforehand, anything to put a smile on your face.
Be selfish. Go to the spots for awesome photo opps and get your picture taken! Who cares if intimidating influencers are behind you in line, get that pic.
Hopefully my friend gets 2 tickets again and I can convince her I’ve learned from last years mistakes to be invited back.
Until then! xx
(PS: last years look. Honestly the picture didn't turn out that tragically).
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