by Emily Farra
In 2018, the concept of fashion “do’s and don’ts” isn’t particularly relevant. Yes, the ’80s are back this fall—but so are the ’90s and the ’70s. Enormous coats are having a moment, but that doesn’t mean you “can’t” wear a sleek, classic trench if that’s your jam. Not into sparkly slip dresses? Utilitarian jackets and army pants feel just as fresh. Flip through Vogue’s street style photos, and you’ll see girls in couture gowns and stilettos next to ladies in T-shirts and jeans. In other words . . . anything goes! At least, when it comes to what you’re wearing. Tackling New York Fashion Week requires more than the right outfits, though; even those of us who’ve spent years (or decades) covering the shows tend to make a few blunders here and there. So we’re constantly asking colleagues for their tips and tricks: How do you stay cool on the subway in 90-degree heat? What shoes should I get that won’t give me blisters? Where do you go for a quick meal between shows?
There’s clearly an art to getting through the week without losing your cool, so we asked Vogue editors for their ultimate New York Fashion Week do’s and don’ts (and, yes, the latter category tends to be more entertaining). We’ve compiled them into a “survival guide” of sorts, and it’s a must-read before you embark on the first day of shows tomorrow. Read on for clever organizational tips, calming scents to try, a sneaker suggestion, and the foods you should (and shouldn’t!) eat.
Nicole Phelps, Director, Vogue Runway
“Never, ever eat a plateful of oysters in between fashion shows. One September several years ago, my mom and my sister joined me in Paris for a few days. We went out for oysters and wine on a Sunday afternoon. It was absolutely delightful until shortly before Givenchy, when I started to feel ill. I spent the entire show in mortal terror that I would throw up on Riccardo Tisci’s runway. Mollusks and la mode do not mix!”
Steff Yotka, Vogue Fashion News and Emerging Platforms Editor
“Do: Always write down appointments on a piece of paper. Although iPhones are great, there have been countless times during Fashion Week when my phone has died or I’ve had no service and was completely lost without access to my calendar or email. As a precautionary measure, every morning before I leave my apartment, I triple check my schedule and write down the time, location, and contact information for every show and appointment for the day and slip it into my pocket. You’d be surprised how often it becomes necessary.
“Don’t: Wear new shoes—ever! It was one year ago that I purchased some low, block-heeled sandals right before NYFW with the plan of wearing them everywhere. Stylish and cute, right? Wrong. After three hours, my feet were not only covered with blisters, but they were actually bleeding. Now all I wear are Vans.”
Jenna Rennert, Vogue Beauty Editor
“A small, hands-free bag is a must for backstage runs—there’s no room to take notes and record interviews with a hefty tote slung over your shoulder. Stock it full of face mist, a lip tint that’s easy to apply on the go, and a couple of Goop’s vitamin C–packed glow powders to sprinkle in boring water bottles at a moment’s notice. Oh, and Juice Press—so much Juice Press.”
Chioma Nnadi, Vogue Fashion News Director
“I once got really sick in Paris and ended up having to see an oral surgeon (long story!), so now I’m really diligent about looking after myself, or at least taking as many immunity-boosting supplements as I can. I take a vitamin B powder combo in the morning as well as a ginger and lemon infusion. I just discovered these new supplements called Lumity, which are great for keeping your skin and hair looking healthy in addition to boosting your energy levels—win-win pills, as far as I’m concerned. As far as other practical tips, I try not to wear new shoes during Fashion Week, even if they seem to be the most comfortable shoes in the world. (Even sneakers need breaking in for Fashion Week in my book!) Lastly, as someone who regularly writes reviews on their iPhone, a Mophie—or better yet, two—is my best friend.”
Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue Archive Editor
“Do: I carry smelling salts—in the form of a roll-on perfume by Diptyque—and a lint roller if I have a big enough bag.
“Don’t: think you’ll get there in time if you leave only 30 minutes before a show, especially if you’ve ‘invested’ in a new pair of heels that aren’t broken in yet.”
Monica Kim, Vogue Fashion News Editor
“I like to carry one large tote to cram show notes and other supplies inside, then a small pack strapped close to the chest for things I need more readily: my phone, ID, subway pass, and external charger. I always bring a small umbrella and water bottle, a protein bar, face powder, and lip balm (I get dehydrated and my lips start to peel).
“When grabbing coffee between shows, I prefer cold over hot. By the time a piping hot cup has cooled, I usually have to trash it before my next show—or I end up burning my mouth horribly. In fact, my best tip is to get caffeine pills. I keep a bottle on my nightstand, and when my phone starts ringing at 5:00 a.m., I hit snooze, roll over, pop one, and sleep for another 10 to 20 minutes until it kicks in. If you take one in the afternoon, you can stay alert without having to worry about frequent coffee-induced bathroom breaks, too.
“Shoes: Just be practical and find what works for you. Flats might sound like a no-brainer, but I have a high arch, so they tend to hurt my feet as much as heels by the end of the day. I prefer platforms, boots, or block-heel slides. I just got an amazing pair of Nike Vapormax boots that I plan to wear all week: The slight height of the bubble heel is nice, and they wrap around my ankle in a flattering way and feel like sticking your foot in a cloud.
“Clothes: Layers are key. I wear a lot of black, but during Fashion Week, I like to bring out more print and color—it lifts my mood a bit. An easy go-to is a good pair of jeans and a statement blouse, then throw on a bold earring for fun. I start to look more and more haggard as the week goes on, so sunglasses are important if you end up in street style photos.
“Eat whenever and wherever you can. I try to keep at least one snack in my bag, usually a Kind bar (peanut butter dark chocolate chip is my favorite) or an energy ball if I can find one. There was one season I lived off of Justin’s almond butter packets—dark times.”
Liana Satenstein, Vogue Senior Fashion News Writer
“I rode a scooter (for a story!) from One World Trade Center all the way to a show in midtown—and sweated through my whole outfit. I was wearing a backpack, too. Definitely a don’t.”
Brooke Bobb, Vogue Senior Fashion News Writer
“I try to practice self-care with the short amount of time I have between shows. This means a workout early in the morning or late at night, maybe a quick meditation when I wake up, and, if there’s a generous block of freedom, I’ll book a massage—though this is definitely a rare occasion. I think the key to surviving the week is to remember that we all do it multiple times a year, every year, and we always get through it. It’s a tough week (for most of us, it’s around 10 days—or an entire month if you’re traveling), but I think remaining grounded and focused and remembering to destress when you can is the best course of action.”
Emily Farra, Vogue Fashion News Writer
“In New York, 75 degrees in September feels a lot different than 75 degrees in June—i.e., it’s about 10 times more humid. A few seasons back, I made the mistake of wearing rigid jeans and a long-sleeved blouse on what turned out to be one of the hottest days of the week—and I forgot just how stuffy it can get backstage. As if trying to get a decent interview with a designer five minutes before showtime isn’t already stressful, it’s considerably worse when you’re dripping sweat. Now I rely on breezy, mid-length dresses in breathable (natural!) fabrics. They’re especially crucial when you’re taking the subway all over the city—another ‘do’ in my book. Every time I think I’ll save a few minutes by hopping in a taxi, the opposite is true. Get an unlimited MetroCard!
“Also a major ‘do’? From running to shows all day, writing in between, and checking my email and Slack every 0.5 seconds, it’s next to impossible to eat, so I’m planning to carry blueberry Rxbars (which are surprisingly filling) to refuel when I’m desperate.”