I’ve gotten a ton of questions over the past few weeks asking how I got invited to NYFW, so today I’m breaking it down for you all! While New York Fashion week may be common for some, a lot of you expressed interest in learning more and really aren’t sure how it works. This was my first experience (as you may have read about here) so I am definitely still a rookie, but below I am sharing how I got invited and what I’ve learned from the experience.
OUTFIT DETAILS: DENIM JACKET (SIMILAR) / TOP / SKIRT / BAG / BOOTS / NECKLACE
When I first started researching about fashion week, I found most of the best information from fellow bloggers. I found it SUPER helpful to read blogger recommendations and learnings which is one of the reasons I wanted to document my experience here for you. I had no idea where to start and while I know that big bloggers with millions of followers have plenty of brands reach out to them to set up VIP experiences, I am considered a ‘micro influencer’ and dont have that kind of luxury. 🙂 Once I reached 30k followers on instagram was when I started think about going to fashion week, but you can definitely still go through the process with less followers! I have also heard to wait until I get my following up a bit more, but I decided to go for it anyways. So here is how I got started…
RESEARCH:
So first I searched the web for any type of guidance I could get. As mentioned above I found blogs, but I also found the NYFW site which gives you all of the lineup details and designer information. Then I found Modem Online which shares all of the press contacts for brands at fashion week: SCORE. So about 2 months before I started to created my lists and reach out to brands and agencies.
CONTACT:
I then created an email template: one for brands and one for pr agencies. I found all contact information either on Modem Online or on each brand’s website there is a press contact email. I started to create my excel of contacts and then the emailing began. I sent out HUNDREDS of emails to basically anyone that I could find. It was a little insane, but the template helped a lot! My email was short and sweet. It consisted of an introduction of who I am, my blog and social reach and why I would like to be invited to the show. You have to keep in mind that these agencies are getting hundreds, if not thousands of requests so short and to the point is best.
I also reached out to a few hotels, asking for comped rooms in exchange for a social love. If they can’t comp, I then asked for a media rate. A few hotels got back to me with a small discount in exchange for a post, but I ended up passing this time around as time was creeping up on me and wanted to make sure I secured a room asap.
NETWORK WITH BRANDS AND BLOGGERS:
I started reaching out to a few other bloggers/firends here in San Francisco to see if they were going and if they wanted to join me for any networking events. The events are much more fun with a friend! It’s also great to add a friend as your +1 and visa versa, as they may have different brand connections then you. I also reached out to a few brands that I have close connections with to see if I could set up any meetings while I was in town. Fashion week is an insanely busy time for everyone, but if you have that connection its great to meet in person.
FOLLOW UP:
Two weeks prior to the trip I sent a follow up email to every single person that I originally reached out to. Its really not until 2 weeks prior do you start getting show invites. Its SUPER last minute, I even got a few invites the week and DAY of! I started to stress a bit because I wasn’t hearing back, but I heard that everything gets situated last minute which made me feel much better.
This is also the best time to download the Fashion GPS app. Majority of brands use this app to send ticket requests and seat assignments, in addition to email. Its a great way to keep your schedule organized and for you to reach out to brands other then email. When you arrive to the shows, your ticket is saved on the app and you can just scan your barcode to enter. Its a lifesaver!
Now that I’ve gone through the process, next season will be much easier now that the brands and agencies have me on their radar. The first time around is daunting and scary, but dont be afraid to put yourself out there- you never know what will happen unless you try!
OUTFIT DETAILS: DRESS / SUEDE JACKET / BOOTIES / BAG
Ok, so now that you have the skinny on how I got invited this year, here are a few learnings from my time in New York.
DONT COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS! Someone told me this before I left and it really stuck with me. There are so many ‘big’ bloggers at these shows and its just not healthy to compare your experience to theirs. Also, dont compare your outfits. Everyone has their own style and you will see just about everything at these shows! You dont need a Chanel bag or Gucci heels to attend. You can wear whatever the heck you want! Just be you.
BRING 3 BATTERY CHARGERS. Not kidding. You are constantly live streaming on social media, posting on all channels, getting ubers every 10 mins and my phone battery drained about every hour! Bring a bunch of portable chargers with you.
PLAN TRAVEL IN ADVANCE WHETHER OR NOT YOU HAVE SHOW INVITES. Show invites come super late, so be sure to have your flight and hotel booked early. Dont stress, the invites will come but the costs of travel keep increasing as you get closer.
NETWORK AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. I actually loved going solo to most shows so I could meet the people around me. From my experience, everyone was so nice and genuinely wanted to network as well. I met so many blogger friends along the way who I kept running into, making it much more fun. I also went to a few networking events where I met brands as well. The events were great to make new connections, and I hear there are even more of these types of things during the Fall.
HAVE FUN. Its a bit stressful running around from show to show, but dont forget to have fun. It was such an incredible experience for me and was totally in my creative element. Meet people, enjoy the shows and make some time to go to dinners with friends and site see while in NY!
Hope this helps for those of you interested! Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments! xo
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