How to do London Fashion Week
images: Alex Finch for Vogue via pinterest
A few months ago we got to go to our first show at London Fashion Week! We were invited to two days of shows at Fashions Finest, which was founded by Deborah St. Louis, who launched in 2010 following on from the set-up of the Fashions Finest magazine in 2009. During those two days, we learnt so much like fashion shows don’t always start on time, it is probably a good idea to double check that your camera battery is in your bag and you will meet the most random people, did we mention that we met Rachel from S Club 7!?
Fashion week is just around the corner and if you’re not sure just how to prepare or you’re looking for some last-minute tips, then you’ve come to the right place! Just to remind you, we’ve only been once (or does going for two days count as twice?) so that basically makes us experts:
Pack Flat shoes
LFW includes A LOT of walking depending on how many shows you intend on going to. There’s also a lot of standing, especially if you go as press or if shows are running late! Heels can make an outfit but they can also break your feet so carry a pair of flats or your favourite trainers for that meal you’ve been fantasising about the whole show or for that journey home! Your feet will thank you!
Be prepared (remember all of your equipment!)
What would days out be without portable chargers! As a writer, a blogger or a journalist, your phone is the most important thing (other than your camera) when you’re at an event. It’s a diary, a camera, a notepad and a contact list all at the same time and if it dies then you’re screwed. Portable chargers make being on your phone 24/7 so convenient and they fit in almost any kind of bag, so helpful! Pack all of your equipment the day before, two nights before if you want to be extra. That means batteries, extra shoes, money, notepads etc, just make sure you don't show up having to turn your bag and pockets inside out because you forgot something!
Network but be genuine
An obvious one but one that people seem to forget at these type of things. Networking is hard enough at smaller blogger events especially when you’re not that great in social settings. LFW is too big of an event not to at least try to make some contacts or at least some new friends! Blogging is one of those professions where making a first impression is important but also putting yourself first should be a priority. What I’m trying to say is try to get those contacts and make new friends but only if you actually want to work with them or become friends. Don’t make connections just for the sake of it, people can smell fakeness a mile away!
Snacks
I promise I’m not obsessed with food but snacks are so important (in general and for everyday life) especially when you don’t know when you’re going to have your next break. Not only is LFW hard on your feet but it can be hard on your stomach too, as I mentioned before and will probably mention again, shows often run late! From what I experienced (that one weekend), there’s usually food floating around but it’s not enough to stop your stomach from being loud or making you irritable when you should be having the time of your life!
Rest
As soon as LFW is over, it’s easy to get caught up in the wave of motivation and inspiration but you also need time to rest and recharge. Events can take a lot out of you and this can affect your work and your overall wellbeing so make sure you take the time to rest up before throwing yourself into work again!
There are our tips for having the smoothest and best first experience of LFW, check out our previous posts on our first experience and let us know what shows you’ll be attending this year!