How to Survive New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week is upon us! Notable absences from the likes of Rodarte and Alexander Wang are a clear reminder that the juggernaut event is in flux this year, as designers seek to reach more consumers in more direct ways. All the press is once again making New York Fashion Week the talk of the town. Twice a year, it virtually consumes every player in the style industry.
That includes StyleCaster editor Leah Faye Cooper, who spends her days and nights jumping from shows, events and parties all around NYC during New York Fashion Week. She always looks forward to her favorites, including Naeem Khan, for his gorgeous red-carpet worthy gowns, and Anna Sui, for her playful prints. How does she do it?
We asked the fashion editor her tips for surviving New York Fashion Week.
New York Fashion Week Survival Tactics
Take the Subway and Plan Ahead
“If you have shows that are back to back and far away from each other, I would definitely take the subway,” says Cooper, noting that it’s usually much faster than a car. One can easily travel from Milk studios in The Meatpacking district to Skylight at Moynihan Station in Midtown, where many recent shows have occurred.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cooper notes her favorite footwear for fashion week as cool booties or wedged heels, if heels are an absolute must. “Unless you’re getting shuttled around in a car everywhere, really choose your footwear wisely.”
Pack Essentials
In between Instagramming her favorite shows and sending emails for work in between, a definite must-have is an external charger to keep your phone fueled throughout the day. Cooper also recommends making sure you’ve fully charged your phone before leaving the house. Though some shows provide snacks and water, Cooper also recommends coming prepared with a snack or bottled water in your bag.
Dress for Versatility
Cooper often heads to an event or a party directly after a day full of shows, so it’s a must to wear stylish, yet versatile outfits that can easily go from day to night. “In general, I like to wear dresses because it’s an easy, one-piece and I like to be comfortable.” By adding a coat of red lipstick or a necklace, dresses are easily transformed from stylish daywear to nighttime cocktail soiree appropriate.
Know Your Location
During fashion week, Cooper recommends doing some research beforehand about the area where your show is, so you can take a pit stop and refuel with a cup of coffee, or grab a quick bite to eat between shows. “Chelsea Market is a great place to go,” notes Cooper. It’s convenient for the shows at Meatpacking’s Milk Studios.
Are you in town for New York Fashion Week? Make The Knickerbocker your home base during the frenzied, oh-so stylish week.
