The Fashion Month countdown has begun...
This time last year I was in the midst of preparing for my first London Fashion Week. As a newly appointed intern I was completely lost, in over my head and assigned the task of organising Fashion Week schedules and tickets for the whole team. Scary.I had no idea where to start! After interning for nearly a year, I had the incredible experience of attending all LFW and LFW Men's throughout the year and (eventually) became an absolute scheduling pro. Working your first Fashion Week is terrifying, but when you find yourself sat on the front row, sipping complimentary drinks in the press room or getting your hair/nails done between shows you'll know it was worth it.
As you wait for the arrival of your first LFW pass and plan your daily outfits, I've put together my top tips I learnt in surviving fashion week as an intern.
Wear comfortable shoes
The absolute number one rule. There will come a moment where you are literally running across London so you don't miss a show on the other side of the city, thanking Vogue that athleisure is still a trend. It's socially acceptable to wear trainers to Fashion Week now - take advantage of that.Don't wear fussy clothes
Everything in LFW world is complicated - keep your clothes simple.
Try a statement coat
You'll spend a lot of time hanging around outside in queues and/or on your way to various event locations so a statement coat is perfect this time of year. Plus, there's always street style photographers on the hunt for a good shot.
Carry a portable phone charger
This needs no explanation. And expect everyone else to want to use it.Network
All of the most important people in the industry are under the same roof! Print some business cards and get your name out there! Whether you're looking for press, bloggers, stylists, buyers - they are all there looking to network.
Make a schedule
Boring, yes. But a bit of time putting together a schedule spreadsheet now will be a life saver when you're there and gives you the opportunity to impress your boss if you're an intern, too.Download City Mapper
If you're new to London (like I was) City Mapper is a really helpful app for navigating the tube. Click here to download on iOS or click here for Android.
Organise your tickets beforehand
Most shows will send out physical tickets to their shows a week or so before, you have to present these tickets on the door for entry into the show. If your week is as busy as mine all were, you will end up with so many tickets you won't know what to do with them. Organising your tickets chronologically into a folder beforehand will save you so much time and hassle.
Get to the front row
Get to the front of the queue and get to the front row. Yes, even if you have an allocated seat. If you look like you belong, they won't move you and it will be so worth it.Eat whenever you can
On my first day, I was too nervous to eat and made the fatal mistake of turning down complimentary food in the press room. I didn't have a chance to eat again all day and was exhausted. It's a really busy day so eat at every opportunity you get...maybe take a few snacks with you.
Don't forget to enjoy yourself
It's cliché but true - you've waited a long time for this moment and worked hard to get there! Drink free drinks, enjoy London and have fun!
0 comments