Fashion Week Etiquette: To Ensure You’ll Be Invited Again
Fashion Week is an exciting and glamorous event that brings together the who’s who of the fashion industry. But as alluring as it may be, attending Fashion Week comes with its own set of rules and etiquette that you need to be aware of in order to navigate the front row and beyond with grace and poise.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned Fashion Week veteran, understanding the unspoken rules of behavior is essential to making the most of your experience.
1. Dress For The Occassion
When building your wardrobe for fashion week, it’s important to consider the season and the trends, and which show you’re going to. You want to try to at least wear one piece from the brand’s show that you are going to.
A mix of classic staples and statement pieces will allow you to show your personal style while staying on-trend. Don’t forget to include comfortable shoes for navigating between shows and after-parties.
Here’s a checklist for a versatile wardrobe selection:
- Bold statement pieces for a unique look
- Classic staples like a blazer or tailored pants
- Comfortable footwear to navigate the venues
- Seasonal accessories for fall or spring
2. Know Who and What You’re Wearing
Know the brand, designer, and vintage you’re wearing in case someone asks.
As a fashion week attendee, you need to be knowledgeable about the brands and designers you’re wearing. If someone inquires about your outfit, you want to provide an informed response.
Whether it’s the story behind the vintage piece, the designer’s inspiration, or the brand’s value proposition, having this information at your fingertips will help you leave a lasting impression. It can help you be reinvited for fashion week
So, before heading to the shows, do your homework on each garment you’ve selected for your fashion week ensemble.
3. Make Sure To Show Up For RSVP’d Events
Be organized when managing RSVPs and invitations for fashion week, you don’t want to accidentally not show up to a event you said you were going to go to. That is one way to ensure you won’t be invited next year.
Managing RSVPs and invitations for fashion week is essential to ensure you have access to the events and shows on your schedule. Keep track of all your invitations in one place. You can use a digital tool like a spreadsheet or a dedicated app to help you stay organized and plan your itinerary.
Consider the following table as a template for your invitation management:
| Event | Date | Time | Location | RSVP | Confirmation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Show 1 | MM/DD/YYYY | XX | Venue Address | YY/N | |
| Show 2 | MM/DD/YYYY | XX | Venue Address | YY/N |
Make sure to include the organizer’s email address for each event to facilitate communication and RSVPs.
Remember to be prompt with your confirmations and return any declined invitations in a timely manner. This approach demonstrates your professionalism and allows event planners to adjust their guest lists accordingly.
4. Plan Ahead How You’re Going To Navigate The City
During Fashion Week, the city can be crowded and congested, making transportation a challenge.
As you navigate the urban landscape, consider using a mix of public transportation options such as subways, buses, and cabs.
Stay up-to-date with any delays or service changes using travel apps or social media and allow extra time for travel: Traffic jams and other delays are common during Fashion Week, so allocate buffer time for transportation.
5. Show Up On Time
Punctuality is critical in the fashion world. Attendees should arrive on time or even a bit early for fashion shows. There have been shows that close the doors the moment the fashion show starts to prevent any interruptions. If you arrive late by a minute, you might miss the whole fashioin show.
Here is a concise checklist of tips to help you arrive promptly:
- Be organized: Prepare your event itinerary ahead of time, noting start times and locations.
- Monitor the clock: Prioritize your attendance if an event or show is time-sensitive.
- Communicate any delays: If running late, inform fellow attendees or show organizers.
6. Only Occupy Your Assigned Seat | Seating Etiquette
When attending a fashion week event, it’s important to adhere to proper seating etiquette.
To start, always arrive fashionably late but not too late, as this shows that you respect the event and the designers involved. If you’re a front row guest, make sure to occupy only your assigned seat.
Seating charts are carefully organized, and front row seats are considered badges of honor, some have better viewing positions and can be captured more easily by photographers, which is perfect for brand exposure.
Be wary of your posture; sit with your legs crossed at the ankles and avoid crossing them at the knees as this could get in the way of photographers as well.
Famous guests such as Alicia Silverstone, Melanie Lynskey, Busy Phillips, and Awkwafina can be found seated in the front row during these events. Be mindful of their presence, and don’t try to sneak over to sit next to them or take their seat.
7. Don’t Go Out Of Your Way To Interact With Designers and Celebrities
One of the perks of being seated in the front row is the opportunity to interact with designers and celebrities however you have to do so with tact and poise.
Only approach them if they are close to you and seem open to conversation. Be sure to any compliments you give come off as genuine and not like you’re trying to brown-nose.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a conversation with designers, demonstrate your interest in their work. Refrain from asking them too many personal questions, and instead focus on their designs or the event itself.
8. Be Respectful When meeting Editors and Influencers
Editors, influencers, and models are just a few of the key industry players you’ll encounter at Fashion Week. When approaching these individuals, be respectful and professional.
Understand that they are often quite busy, and it may not be the best time for an in-depth conversation. Instead, keep your interactions brief and engaging.
Compliment their work or ask insightful questions, and whenever possible, offer something of value in return for their time (e.g., a collaboration or connection you think they might find intriguing).
Don’t be afraid to engage with influencers and models, as they can be valuable to build professional networks and relationships.
9. Don’t Gossip Or Say Anything Negative About Collections
While you are entitled to your own opinions, it’s essential to maintain a positive and professional attitude around the collections and the people you meet at Fashion Week.
Refrain from gossiping or making negative comments about the collections or industry professionals. Remember that the fashion world is a small one – you never know who might be listening.
Keep your critiques constructive and insightful, and demonstrate respect for the hard work that goes into creating the collections.
10. Keep Your Phone On Silent
Minimize screen usage during the show. People are there to see the show, not to watch you use your phone. Even if you are an influencer, the designers and brands will have hired their own
Attending Fashion Week is an exciting experience, and naturally, you would want to share the highlights on your social media platforms. However, it is essential to maintain decorum while doing so. When capturing moments, ensure that you respect the designer’s work and the models on the runway. Be mindful of your actions and avoid causing any disturbances to other attendees.
You can definitely film little clips here and there, but if you want to film the whole show, try to keep your camera out of sight and not block other people’s view.
Here are some quick tips for capturing and sharing moments responsibly during Fashion Week:
- Use your smartphone discreetly, avoid obstructing the view of others
- Take pictures and record videos quickly and efficiently
- Share content that reflects the essence of the event while preserving the designer’s vision
- Consider leveraging online influence to promote and support the designers and their work
11. Send Follow-Ups and Thank Yous
After attending a fashion week show, it’s essential to send follow-up emails or messages to express your gratitude for the invitation and experience. If you received any gifts or goodies, be sure to mention them in your message. A well-crafted thank you note can help solidify your relationships with designers, PRs, and other industry professionals.
For example:
Thank you for inviting me to [Designer]’s show. I truly enjoyed the experience and was impressed with the collection. The [gift item] was a delightful surprise, and I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Ensure that you have the correct email addresses for the people you wish to thank. If you need to, don’t hesitate to ask a mutual connection or your event contact for the information.
The follow-up emails are also an opportunity to return any borrowed items, such as samples or passes. Clearly communicate the details for returning them to the rightful owner or store. It’s essential to maintain a responsible and professional image.
