UNVEILING THE GLAMOUR : What is Fashion Week?
New York Fashion Week is an iconic, world-renowned event held every February and September in Manhattan, lasting between seven and nine days, where the newest fashion collections are showcased to potential clients and the press. Established in 1993, it is one of the four major fashion weeks globally known as THE BIG FOUR! The other locations are Milan, Paris, and London. Can you say “bucket list”? Who’s coming with me? 💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼
UNLOCKING THE DOOR: How to Attend
Typically, admission to shows is by accreditation and invitation only. However, I’ve noticed that several shows now offer online tickets to the public, and I think they should do this much more often. Most attendees are from the fashion industry, including other designers, celebrities, social media influencers, and shoppers like myself. I was invited by my dear friend Bonnie Smith (@shopwithbonnie), a veteran personal stylist who attends every year.
For clients who are not in the business, designers often look at your buying history. Essentially, if you spend a significant amount of money, chances are you’ll receive an invite. Personally, I’ve found that tagging your favorite brands on social media, developing relationships with local sales associates, and the simplest concept—just being nice—can help. Sales associates work hard, often relying on commission, and the effort they put into tasks like hanging clothes back up deserves not only impressive biceps but a yearly bonus!
Semi-Pro Tip: To build credit with brands, either buy directly from them, shop through a personal stylist with an account, or if you shop at a boutique, ask them to record and report your purchases to your favorite designers.
My Dazzling Dive into the Couture Cosmos!
How did I go from elbowing the gal next to me on the designer sales racks to fist-pumping on the dance floor with Christian Siriano at New York Fashion Week? BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS!
There is a luxury boutique in Highland Park, Dallas, called The Conservatory. I have fallen in love with their sales agent named Shasa, @shasamitcham. In a nutshell, he’s FABULOUS! We’ve become so close that he flies out to California to attend my parties. He invited me to an intimate lunch for loyal clients with the designer Sally LaPointe—who, if you follow me, you know I absolutely adore!
At another event at The Conservatory, I met Christian Siriano and his team, who helped create my couture look for my 50th birthday party. And the story continues to unfold from there…
🎶PRETTY GIRLS WALK LIKE THIS..THIS..THIS: THE RUNWAY EXPERIENCE
Hands down, my most thrilling moments last year were attending the runway shows. From childhood to adulthood, we ladies grow up watching clips of these tall, beautiful models, who literally master their domain with strides of confidence and a look that essentially says, “I’M A BADASS AND I KNOW IT!” So when you get a chance to observe this in person, it’s jaw-dropping.
BEHIND THE CURTAINS: CHRISTIAN SORIANO
This could be its own blog, but here’s the lowdown. First of all, Christian Soriano is an incredibly nice, genuine human being who surrounds himself with a team that shares his values and personality. I find this fascinating, as you might assume he would be pretentious or even stuck-up. Since winning Project Runway in 2007, his fame and career have exploded. After curating my couture pink, puffy birthday dress with him, I was invited to his runway show and after-party. The runway show was a star-studded catwalk event with a surprise performance by the singer Sia! It was inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s garden, featuring graphic rose prints in shades of pink, purple, and white. After the runway show, I was backstage hobnobbing with celebrities like Janet Jackson and watching Soriano shine in his glory, literally smiling ear to ear all night. The after-party was incredible, with a DJ, lots of dancing, and gorgeous outfits! This was just day one of fashion week, and I remember waking up the next day thinking, “Is this how all of fashion week is going to be? If so, I’ll need a vacation after my vacation.” I have to give a shout-out to Mallory Brown @themollydarcy and Carl Curry @cdimedonenyc, two of his team members who have been so incredible to me.
CURATED VIP EXPERIENCES: LAPOINTE
LaPointe’s runway show was so authentic and classic New York! They shut down several streets on the block where her boutique is located. Her collection was incredibly color-driven, luxe, and creative from head to toe! I took so many photos and videos, making notes of my favorite new looks. Bonnie set up a bespoke, private session the following day to see the new collection up close and personal. If I loved a look, the model would try it on. (This is where confidence and imagination must kick in, ladies, as these models look stunning in all the outfits.) Their seamstress took over 50 measurements of me, and I picked my favorite look! These purchases are considered “futures” as I didn’t receive the outfit until February, but honestly, this is what made it so fun and personal. It’s also pretty neat to have been one of the first to own such a look by buying it ahead of time. And of course… it fit perfectly!
DAY IN THE LIFE OF FASHION WEEK
The rest of the week included an evening with my friend and designer Cynthia Rowley, private showroom appointments, runway shows, afternoon tea and caviar at the Plaza Hotel, and amazing clubs and dinners!
THE INDUSTRY
By the end of the week, I was amazed by the process and the immense amount of work that goes into fashion week. What did I take away from my experience, aside from an extremely high American Express bill? A DEEPLY PROFOUND APPRECIATION FOR THE ENTIRE FASHION INDUSTRY! The thoughtfulness behind each new season and each new look is incredible. From the sales associates and marketing teams to the seamstresses, models, personal stylists, makeup artists, and all the exceptionally talented designers—IT’S A LOT OF FREAKING WORK! Like it or not, this $1.7 trillion global industry is far more than just clothing. It employs millions of people, creates first impressions, enhances self-esteem, and is a dynamic, ever-changing expression of oneself! “Style is something each of us already has; all we need to do is find it!” – Diane von Furstenberg
MY FASHION WEEK LOOKS
First Time Purchase 15% Off Code: LAPOINTE15
Similar LaPointe Top | Similar LaPointe Skirt | Leather Jacket
Julie Miles Jewelry code: AMYPLUSJOE
To God be the glory! – Amy
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