Fashion Week Survival Kit for the FashNewbie

This past weekend I had the amazing opportunity to attend and report on the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Johannesburg for the first time. Being a “fashnewbie” is exciting and petrifying at the same time and in order to navigate the fashion world, you have to have some survival essentials.  As much as being thrown into the deep end is extremely frightening, it gives you a new outlook and a sense of accomplishment when you finally “get it right”.  So to all the “fashnewbies”, read on, because we are all going to be fashion week pros with these handy tips.

1. Have a really, I mean really good camera.

Not everyone has a professional camera with super zoom that can see the earth’s core but it is important to have one that takes a decent shot.  My first night at fashion week, I took pictures with my phone, which takes relatively great photos but one thing to remember… those runway lights can distort even the best mobile phone shot.  Your camera has to be able to adjust lighting accordingly; most of the time flash is not required.  The rest of fashion week, I borrowed my sister’s Nikon camera and it really made a world of difference!

2. Be like Kanye and make it slow motion

What is the point of being at fashion week if you do not capture all your moments on film or digital?  Trust me, you want to remember every second as on the night the excitement is so overwhelming.  Runway photography is fast paced and it is all about getting the best still from a moving object.  I must admit capturing moments on the first night was difficult but by the second night, you will have your timing to an art.  If motion photography is a bit challenging for you, position yourself in a way that you have the models moving straight towards you rather than from a side angle to avoid that motion blur.

3. Understand your Pass-Power

Your pass or ticket is the gateway to your fashion week experience.  Whether you are VIP, media or just a fashion-loving spectator, knowing the power of your pass gives you more confidence, allows you to live up your experience and eliminates that “Am I supposed to be here?” feeling. Being a “fashnewbie” who was also covering the happenings of fashion week, I has no idea where to go, who to speak to, where backstage was, when to photograph or who…it was confusing.  But after asking as many questions as people would allow, I realised that my pass was pretty “badass”.  Know the amount of access you have.

4. Puppy, do not be afraid of the big dog

You are going to meet fashion heavyweights that you have admired for years but it is important to not let it paralyse you.  Starting up conversation with your favourite fashionistas is a great way to debut yourself in “their” world.  I must admit, I got intimidated by the “fash masses” and it was a missed opportunity.  Try complimenting your favourite “big dog’ on their work or start up commentary about the previous show.  It also helps to have a friend who has friends in the circle as your “in”, then let your personality handle the rest.

5. DRESS!

It goes without saying; fashion week is an exhibition of beauty and art, so look like a masterpiece.  My first night, I went straight from the office to fashion week, thinking that my outfit was “pretty cool”…I could feel my confidence sink as I arrived.  People will want to take your picture, media will ask for a televised quote and you need to look the part.  Dressing up gives you an undeniable boost and outfits are always amazing conversation starters, so get stylist…who says people cannot see your personality first?

 Every fashion week experience is bound to be different and each “fashnewbie” will have their unique hiccups, like accidentally sitting in the FROW (front row).  But these tips are from my experience that I am sure are common concerns to be encountered.  SA Fashion Week is hitting our calendars in a week or so and I definitely feel prepared to make it worth my while, so should you! 

Feel free to share your fashion week experiences with me on the blog or on my twitter (@ntnt9) using #FashNewbieSurvival