Natasha Zinko Jacket | Gedebe Handbag Similar | Paris Texas Metallic Boots Similar | Earrings Similar | Sunglasses Similar
Hey guys, I’m back with a final recap of my SS20 fashion month season plus your most asked fashion week questions. I attended both NYFW and MFW, which I hadn’t done in a few seasons. I have to say this was my favorite season yet especially for hair and makeup! I had the opportunity of working with Guerlain and Frank Provost for the Hollywood glam look you see to the left and the shows were so on point.Anyway, while I was in Milan, you guys sent me an outpour of fashion week questions, so along with the details of every look I wore, I picked 10 questions to cover on the blog today! Let’s jump ahead into the Q&A!
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Alexandre Vauthier Dress Similar | Les Petits Joueurs Sandals | Gedebe Handbag Similar | Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace| Earrings Similar
1. How does one become a part of fashion week – by getting invited from brands?
Most times as a new blogger, you will have to work your way into the shows, and it requires a lot of time and dedication in the beginning. What that means is that you usually are not invited to shows by brands. Instead, you will need to pitch to brands, explaining who you are, what you do, and why you should be attending their shows. The “why” will oftentimes have to be coverage-related unless you are a buyer or fashion journalist. With bloggers, that “why” is usually going to be your reach (i.e. how many followers you have across all social media and your blog). Even after all of that, be prepared for a lot of radio silence, and even waiting outside of shows for standing seats. Although it isn’t easy, I will say that a little Google search and patience will take you a long way.
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Ruffle Button Down Similar | Emilio Pucci Skirt | Amina Muaddi Slingback Pumps Similar | Gedebe Handbag Similar| Mary Jane Claverol Earrings Similar| Belt Similar
2. How were you invited to fashion shows for the first time?
In the beginning, it was me pitching myself to brands. By that point, I had a decent reach with a few notable brand collaborations under my belt, which definitely helped. However, although I was able to get into the shows, I had a hard time getting Dan into the shows for photo coverage. Fortunately, I’m at a place in my career now where I receive invites from brands – and feel confident about pitching to brands to access shows I really love and want to see. And I can bring in whichever photographer I need!
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Tod’s Leather Mini Dress | Tod’s Leather Ankle Boots | Tod’s Mini Tote Similar | Jennifer Behr Headband | Illesteva Sunglasses Similar| Earrings Similar
3. Which show look did you wear that was the most out of your comfort zone?
It was probably this one I wore for a Fendi party this past NFYW. It was a bit costume-y and unexpected, but I love trying looks that push the envelope!
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4. What are your 10 favorite looks from NYFW?
In no particular order: Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Michal Kors, Prabal Gurung, Coach, Jonathan Simkhai, Zimmermann, Adeam, Tibi, and Brock Collection.
5. How can one get invited to the bigger shows?
This is probably one of the most common fashion week questions I get and there’s no single right way. Some of the ways that have worked for me were by working with similar brands and providing great coverage for them. Then, using that as leverage in my fashion week pitches each season. You can also build great relationships with PR managers while attending fashion week parties/events, which is probably the most effective. I wrote several in-depth posts about fashion week, which goes deeper into this question. I highly recommend you read them here, here, and here.
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Ermanno Scervino High Neck Sweater | Costarellos Lace Mini Dress | Yuul Yie Sandals | Illesteva Sunglasses Similar| Hoop Earrings Similar
6. Do you visit shows and pop ups of smaller brands and brands from around the world?
I wish I could do more of that, but with such a busy schedule around fashion week, I typically have to pick the shows and parties I attend strategically. When I’m not attending shows, appointments or events, I try to use that time to spend with my family at home.
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Temperley London Pleated Maxi Dress | Faux Pearl Earrings Similar
7. Do any of the designers pay for your hotel to promote their show?
Never. When I attend a show, it’s usually because I want to go otherwise I’d just skip it. Brands have never paid for my hotel rooms, although I will collaborate with hotels for a night’s stay in exchange for coverage.
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Attico Blazer | Isabel Marant Metallic Belt | Amina Muaddi Slingback Pumps Similar | Dannijo Sade Chandelier Earrings
7. Do you wish sometimes you can dress down?
Not at all. I love playing dress up and experimenting with trends – and I’m not always dressed up either. There have been times during fashion week where I’m wearing sneakers with more of a downtown look. But one of my favorite things about working in the fashion industry and attending fashion week is dressing up in whatever you feel like wearing.
8. Have you always had amazing style?
I was always into fashion and had a unique sense of style; however, I’m not sure that I would say it was “always” amazing style. I have had moments where I look back on an outfit I put together and cringe but most of them were from my early days of blogging. I think part of the process in becoming well-dressed is taking photos of yourself in outfits. As Rachel Zoe says, mirrors lie but photos don’t. Having photos to critique yourself lets you know what looks great on your body and you can continue to build outfits around that.
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Missoni Ribbed Knit Vest Similar | Missoni Pants | Amina Muaddi Mules Similar | Missoni Tassled Hoop Earrings| Missoni Waist Belt Similar| Clutch Similar
9. Will you go more into detail on season by season style and ideas for your blog readers with your picks and the affordable alternatives?
I will definitely consider this for the next fashion week season! But generally, I build my looks build around specific pieces I’ve had my eyes on – maybe it’s a bold color, a certain silhouette, or a pair of shoes. I’ll even consider certain brands I want to showcase. I’ll then mix in accessories and shoes I already own. I don’t really ever focus on what’s trending.
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Simone Rocha Ruffle Dress | Gedebe Handbag Similar | Mules Similar | Earrings Similar | Bracelet Similar
10. How do you keep your energy up?
Keeping my energy up is probably the hardest part about fashion week, especially when I do all four major fashion capitals. But I think keeping my eye on the prize is what helps the most. When I attend fashion week, I know that I’m there to network with industry professionals, build my brand, and make an impression. This keeps adrenaline in a naturally high state – for a little while at least. I also make time to rest instead of party every night, which helps a ton.
Bonus: Where to stay and what to eat in Milan?
My favorite fashion week questions involve food! I stayed at the Clerici Boutique Hotel in Milan, which had such a cool, funky Italian vibe (perfect for me). Not only it is 1,300 feet from the infamous Duomo Milano, but the rooms are spacious and comfortable with really delicious food too!
Food-wise, we loved Valentino Legend (Via Agnello 8, Milan 20121) – you can save 20% off the “a la carte” menu when you book it via “The Fork/Trip advisor”. Dan and I loved the linguini with clams and mullet roe – it was so good – and the prices aren’t bad either. The value for the service, price, and flavors are among the best.
Il Cestino (Via Madonnina, 27, 20123 Milano MI) is a must if you love seafood pasta as much as we do. It has such great ambiance with the classic Italian vibes, and I loved that the outdoor seating takes place in a quiet alleyway.
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Hope you guys found this helpful and if you have any other fashion week questions, drop them in the comments! In case you missed it, you can also read more about my life behind the scenes as an influencer with Daily Front Row.
