Hi guys!
Chelsea Coffey here. It’s a crazy awesome feeling to look back and see how much time has passed since my very first New York Fashion Week back in 2007. I know the experience can be a little intimidating, so I wanted to take the time to put together a guide to offer any pearls I’ve picked up along the way. Hopefully they will be of assistance to anyone in need of a little boost in confidence on how to approach things!
For starters, it’s important to understand the dynamic behind the production of events. This year the major New York Fashion Week venues will be at Skylight at Moynihan Station at 360 West 33rd Street and Skylight Clarkson Sq. at 550 Washington Street. For five years the major venue had been at Lincoln Center, and before that, Bryant Park. There are shows happening all around the city, and that leads me to my first point:
1. Be Intentional-
You may not be on the list for any of the shows around the city, but there are plenty of free events to take part in. Refinery29 celebrated their 10th Birthday with their 29 Rooms event, and it was completely free to the public.
Photo: Refinery29.com
Essence Magazine hosted a Street Style Block Party. It was chock full of vendors, fantastic looks, fashion show, the whole nine, all under the Brooklyn Bridge in Dumbo:
Photo: TheCoffeyBreak.com
2. Be Present, Build Genuine Relationships-
During this time, you’ll most likely meet A LOT of people and it may be tempting to feel the urge to want to bounce from person to person in an effort to not miss out on meeting as many people as possible. My recommendation is simple, be present when you’re with someone and focus your energy on making a sincere connection with the people you genuinely like. Quality over quantity. Always.
3. Trust The Timing of Things-
Serendipity, one of my all-time favorite expressions: The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. In other words, trust that whatever is meant to be will be. Everything happens for a reason, embrace that. As far as I’m concerned, the law of attraction is real. Speak those things that you want to see happen into existence, and watch God work. It will take a lot of the pressure off of you to be in the “right place” place at the “right time”. If it’s meant to be, it will come to pass. Focus your energy on enjoying the ride.
Below, Aimee Son of Song of Style. I just loved her look, and stopped to get a picture. Little did I know she’d become one of my favorite style bloggers.
4. Be Ready-
As much as I love the idea of serendipity, one can’t discount preparedness. Take the time to research like CRAZY. If you’re going to take a free spirited approach to life, life my self haha, you can at least make a point to know of as many events, shows and so on as possible. A few years ago, I was at a natural hair event. We were about to leave, and I saw this guy across the room wearing a fabulous two-piece graffiti print outfit. Not only did he happen to be from Houston, but it turns out it was Beyonce’s stylist Ty Hunter! I can honestly say that he is the sweetest person, and he couldn’t have been any nicer. The same can be said of June Ambrose. Only I knew exactly who she was when I saw her, and she greeted me with such a warm reception. I was even fortunate enough to interview the both of them.
In addition to being informed, it’s also smart to have general info cards made. Picture a business card, but personalized and tailored to whatever you would want people to know about you: your social media info, blog/website, contact info and so on. Be as direct as possible, so people know exactly who you are, what you do, and how to best connect.
5. Confidence Is Everything-
At the end of the day, people are people. Social media can make things a little tricky because in a few short years, we’ve gone from meeting people by chance to recognizing a large number of faces due to platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Nonetheless, perception isn’t always reality. Give yourself a pep talk, and push past any apprehensions about approaching someone you’d like to connect with. Be willing to walk up to someone, regardless of who they are, and introduce yourself. You’ll vibe with the ones who were meant to be, and if you’re anything like me, you won’t even remember the ones who weren’t 😉
With June Ambrose
Fashion Week in and of itself is just such a special time. Remember that comparison is the thief of joy. Own every inch of your being, and go forth with your head held high. There’s no substitute for a beautiful spirit and good energy. We attract what we put out. Hope this was helpful!
Happy Fashion Week!
Peace, Love and Sunshine ~Chelsea
Here’s a head start:
http://nymag.com/fashion/fashioncalendar/fashionweek/
http://nyfw.com/
