Lucky enough to score your first invite or backstage pass to some of the most highly-coveted shows this Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week? To ensure they keep comin’, we enlisted editors who’ve been there to share some of the tips that have saved them season after season.
1. Do Your Research
As with a lot of things in life, preparation is par for the Fashion Week course. “Find out who the publicist is for the beauty brand or designer, and know what he or she looks like. If you’re doing a backstage interview, there are a ton of people running around, and it will be less stressful if you know who to find,” says Popsugar.com Beauty Editor, Lauren Levinson.
2. Come Equipped
Another part of that preparation is packing for success. “Bring an extra charger,” suggests Elle.com Social Media Editor, Kate Winick. “Hell, have two and be able to do someone a favor!” Also grab an extra recorder. “Nothing is worse than realizing your iPhone didn’t record any of that awesome interview you just got. Voice recorders might seem old school, but they work. Just make sure you know how to use it before you get backstage. No one likes to fumble with buttons,” says Caitlin.
“Back up your phone’s photo stream or album each night, and clear it out in the morning. Having the ‘Storage Full’ message pop up is heartbreaking when you’re trying to capture a once in a lifetime Instagram,” adds StyleBistro.com Senior Associate Beauty Editor, Caitlin Miller.
3. Dress to Impress
It can be intimidating to pick the perfect outfit for your Fashion Week debut, but the pros suggest dressing appropriately for your specific role at the event. “If you’re covering backstage beauty, do not wear heels. Just go with a dressy flat or boot because it’s a casual atmosphere,” says Lauren. “But if you’re sitting front-of-house for the runway show, it doesn’t hurt to dress sharp. You never know who you’ll be sitting next to!”
“I highly suggest a cross body bag of some type to keep hands free and out of peoples’ way—don’t be the girl with the huge tote bag knocking into everyone (speaking from experience!),” adds Cosmopolitan Senior Beauty Editor, Marta Topran.
4. Get Noticed
Want to pack some punch into your practical ensemble? “People will be focusing on your face (it’s kind of hard to see shoes and outfits when you’re packed in there) so go for a statement look. My go-to is a bright orange-y lipstick—Nars Heat Wave never ceases to earn me compliments,” says Marta.
5. Find Your Focus
Seats are so limited, so you may not always have the best angle for snapping a complete head-to-toe look. If that’s the case, aim to capture a specific aspect of the look that you can zoom in on. “Go for shots other people might not try for (she who gets the shoes or a good clear shot of the beauty look wins in an endless feed of runway walks) and mention a model’s name or the look number when sharing,” says Kate. “If you’re new and therefore probably not in a seat where you can get a good shot, put your phone down and use your eyes. It’s your first time; you’ll want to remember it!” she adds.
And if you’re taking shots backstage, try to linger until right before the show starts, if you can. “That’s prime time for celebs to show up!” says Caitlin.
6. Be Respectful
As much fun as Fashion Week is to attend, remember that everyone there (you included) has a job to do. “The backstage space is crammed with a million models, stylists, makeup artists and nail techs—needless to say, space is tight. Be respectful that people are working and don’t get in their way when taking pictures. And be polite if you do try to snap a pic—especially if it’s of someone super famous, like Karlie or Cara (it never gets old seeing them!),” says Marta.
When it comes to attending the shows, Kate recommends avoiding the use of iPads to capture photos for the sake of those seated behind you, along with trying to resist from logging onto your personal accounts. “Try not to ruin a professional photographer’s shot in the service of your Instagram.”
7. Say ‘Thank You’
There’s also something to be said for social media etiquette. “If you’re at an event, be courteous and conscious of the event tags and handles; they’re almost always posted somewhere. It’s the easiest way to actually thank the people who invited you! Similarly, if you want to re-gram someone, make sure you credit them clearly in the caption,” adds Kate.
8. Ask Questions
Last, but certainly not least, utilize Fashion Week as an opportunity to learn. “Often times you’ll be in a group of editors getting the spiel on a look. If you have a specific question or don’t fully understand what the stylist is talking about, ask right then and there. It’s much harder to go back and try to figure things out when you’re reviewing your notes at night and you’re exhausted, than it is to just ask right then and there,” says Caitlin.
Plus, chances are other editors have the same question too. “Remember these pros love what they do and love talking about it, but they also may be tired from going show to show and might not always give the best explanations. So speak up if you need something clarified,” she says.
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