FLASHIN WEEEK

Fashion week is comming up and you know what that means. As exciting as it is to see new designers collections, grab all the free swag, and attend the hottest parties ( of of which I was invited to last season but not let in because I was underage -_-), there are also the seat stealers, attention whores, and party crashers that make Fashion Week the most exclusive event of the year, reserved only for the best the industry has to offer. So I ask you, what side are you on? Last season I was a little bit of both, getting invites to the best the week had to offer and also slipping into shows die hard fashion lovers would only dream to attend. My help from last season as well as throughout the year has made me better prepared for this season, but if your a outsider wanting to get "in", how do you obtain that?
Lets go over some rules and regulations of fashion week

1. no matter how important you "think" you are, you probably aren't.
This is probably the most common mistake people make during fashion week. Because your name ends with "Wintour" "Roitfeld" "Zoe" "Russo" "Galliano"  "Renta" "Coddington" or "Myers" doesn't make you related to them or a distant relative. Which means its probably not smart to show up to the Alexander Wang fashion show,  a designer mentored by Wintour, and state that you are the 3rd cousin of Anna Wintour. Because most likely, Wang has met Wintour and Co. and has a idea of who her relatives are which means, not only do you get booted out of the show, but you'll probably embarrass yourself in front of a lot of editors and such, which could ruin your reputation in the industry. Just be yourself. Not only will you have a better chance of getting in, but if you've worked for the publication Anna is in charge of or the like, it will probably work in your favor as a working person in the industry. 
2. don't steal.
Don't steal a editors or whoevers invitation. Sneaking into Alexander Wang as Anna Wintour's cousin was bad enough, but  by doing this, you've probably made face to face contact with that person, and I'm sure they won't forget you.
on the bright side, heres two things you should do.
1. be friendly. with everyone. even the security guards.
Last season I went to my first show of the week , which was Erro, and I was walking in the snow and everything, so I was pretty frustrated, sweaty and tired when I arrived to the show. Waiting for it to start, I struck up a conversation with a lady who was to my right, and she seemed really cool. I finally got around to asking what she does, and I found out she was a assistant at Teen Vogue. We're very good friends now, and constantly keep in touch.  Another situation I was waiting outside for a show to start outside the tents. The security guard started talking to me and we exchanged names and what our jobs were. From that day on , Whenever I wanted to go to a show, regardless of what show it was, the security guards would be like "Hey Warren! Go right ahead!"  Sometimes PR has nothing to do with it, and its really security, in charge of making sure that everyone has a invitation can physically proceed to the runway space. Making friends with everyone is something I highly suggest , being that once security knows who you are and what you do, depending on the credibility, you can gain access to shows you would never think you'd be able to attend. Its all a part of networking and being honest. Everyones looking for the next big thing, so people are more than willing to help someone up and comming, as long as you present yourself in a honest and humble manner.




Other positive ways to get the access of a editor is how you dress. Some people come to fashion week as total attention whores, in the most outrageous and craziest clothes possible. Cables, ropes, anchors, paint, bikinis, anything to get people to make a double take is what they style. It also gives them camera time, interviews, tons of photographs and press. During fashion week, I dress pretty normal, with a statement piece here or there, but if you have a crazy closet and no invitations, this is one way to get in. Beware though, don't dress too crazy or else you might hurt somebody (knife necklace?) or yourself (GaGa heels)


Hope this helps, and have a enjoyable fashion week guys.
Warren.