How to Attend NYFW as a Content Creator

This is your sign to attend the most fabulous and exhilarating fashion filled week(s) of the year which is also known as New York Fashion Week (NYFW) . This in-depth post will guide you through how to pitch for an invite to attend NYFW, how to prep for NYFW, NYFW content creator must-haves, as well as tips on how to have a successful and affordable NYFW!

The Who What Wear’s of NYFW

What is NYFW ? – NYFW is America’s premiere fashion event where designers showcase their upcoming collections for buyers, writers and a myriad of industry tastemakers through runway shows, presentations and events.
When does NYFW Happen ? – The shows take place bi-annually in early February and September. Collections are presented a season ahead so expect to view Spring & Summer (SS) collections in September and Fall/Winter (FW) or Fall Autumn(FW)collections in February.
Who is showing at NYFW? – That depends on the season and the brand/designer. Some designers and brands show twice a year, while others only once. It’s important to view the official CFDA schedule to stay updated as well as, research designers who are not listed on the schedule.
Where does NYFW take place? – From the famous Bryant Park tents to Starrett-Lehigh building, the central hub of shows and activations will be confirmed in the official schedule posted by NYFW. Kindly note that many shows take place off site so, it is important to stay on top of the schedules.
Why should I attend? – If you are a fashion enthusiast who can provide value to the designers by way of press coverage, content creating or photography/videography, then you should definitely consider attending the hustle and bustle of Fashion’s biggest week(s).
How do you attend? – Take deep breath, grab a pen and paper because this is where we delve into all the juicy tips and tricks of attending NYFW.

The Coveted NYFW Invite

The time has come for you to take deep breath and bookmark this post because this is where we delve into all the juicy tips and tricks on how to get invited to attend NYFW. This is where the proverbial magic happens though our non-stop pitching ! But first:

The CFDA Schedule – This preliminary schedule of showcasing designers will be posted by the CFDA a month before the official shows are set to begin
Make a list of Designers – Now that you know who is presenting in the upcoming season, it is time to make a list of all the designers you want to see
Find Designer Press Contact – This information can be found at the bottom of the brand’s official website under “contacts”, on their social media pages, LinkedIn, and press releases,
Find Agency Contact – Some brands utilize agencies for their shows and presentation as well, so make sure to look up their previous case studies and client lists to locate their brand contact
Use Email Plug-ins – such as Clearbit and other extensions to get the correct contact information for the brand/PR agency
Update Your Media Kit – Update your Media kit with your latest social media stats and host it on your website or through Canva to ensure that it can be hyperlinked to an email
Professional Email Address – Get a professional email address through google or Godaddy to ensure that your email doesn’t go into the spam folder of your recipient
Pitch To Brands/PR Agencies/Showrooms – Send a short two paragraph email that includes a short synopsis about yourself, your stats and services that you can provide in exchange for an invite to their show, presentation or event . Don’t forget to hyperlink your media kit and social pages within the email.
GPS Radar & Press Passes & Indie Fashion Shows – Utilize platforms such as GPS Radar to request for invites to NYFW shows, Apply for press passes directly from other productions that occur during fashion week such as Art Hearts Fashion and Runway 7. Look through Eventbrite and the #nyfwdesigner hashtags on social media to find emerging designers to pitch to.
Follow Up! Follow Up!! Follow Up!!! – Following up is a pivotal part of ensuring an invite to NYFW so make sure to follow up often as the shows get closer.

The NYFW Prep List

Finalize your budget – NYFW is a pricey ~~expense~~ investment that can cost upwards of a few thousand dollars, especially if you don’t have any partnerships that can be used to offset costs. Make sure to factor in hotels ($1-3K for the week), transportation (up to $2k if flying to NYC and using car services to get around), food (up to $150 a day), and digital content (up to $1k depending on the deliverables)
Book a flight -Save money by booking flexible flight ticket 2-3 months in advance for the first weekend of the Fashion month and confirm tickets once the CFDA posts the official dates.
Secure a hotel – Try and stay around the NYFW hub that way you are close to all the official NYFW action. Make sure to pitch hotels for collaborations at least 2-3 month in advance as well.
Finalize a photographer / videographer – Content is king, so book a content partner and shoot prior to NYFW that way you have content ready to post on your blog and socials during the hectic week of shows and events. Trust me, shooting content beforehand takes the stress out of capturing your fabulous outfits before or during shows
Schedule meetings – This is a great way to build rapport with NYC based brands that you are looking to work with or have already worked with previously
Put outfits together – The key part to getting photographed and featured in street style roundups from your favorite fashion publication is to present your best personal style. Including current trends can also be helpful but don’t stress yourself and your wallet out about buying the newest pieces. Instead shop your closet and tell a visual story about your style through your favorite wardrobe picks. Utilize Pinterest to pull together outfit inspiration to help you create fun looks for the week.
Follow up on Pitches – Again, following up is INSTRUMENTAL in securing an invite. Make sure to send a quick blurb to follow up as you get closer to the shows.

The NYFW Content Creator Must-Haves

Tripod // Portable Light // Powerbank // Wireless Microphone // Micro SD Card // External Hardrive

The Finalized NYFW Schedule

Now that you have your transportation, accommodations, content partner(s), outfits and invites secured, it’s time to build out your schedule using your favorite scheduler like google calendar to keep you focused, organized and NYFW ready!!

The Baroque and Boujee Tips For Surviving NYFW

After being fortunate enough to be invited to attend (I’ve never paid for shows or an invite btw) NYFW for a few seasons now, I can definitely say that attending NYFW is one of the most invigorating experiences ever. Not just as a fashion lover, but also a creative who is always looking for inspiration to better my craft. I attend NYFW to view and meet with emerging POC designers, while also extending my knowledge of upcoming collections for my styling clients and fashion engaged social media audience. With that being said, here are my tips to surviving NYFW.

Use points for flights and opt for EWR (Newark Liberty International Airport) for cheaper fares
Pitch hotels & Airbnb for comped stays or stay with friends for more affordable accommodation
Take the trains before Taxis and Ubers. As a LA girl, I promise you that the trains will quickly become your bestie because its a cheaper and faster way to get around town.
Pack or shop for granola bars, electrolytes packets, and small fruits to take with you while you are on the go
Get the contact information for everyone who captures you
Be nice and network genuinely with everyone because you never know who you will meet
If someone says no, find another contact that will say yes.
Focus on WHY for attending NYFW. It’s really easy to get overwhelmed or distracted by all the fun of the week, but staying organized with a positive mindset will help you have a successful time

As always stay open, have fun and happy NYFW!!