For anyone in the fashion industry (or on the outside looking in) it is more than clear that fashion isn’t just a matter of fashion, per se. A lot of it, and most of it, has to do with prestige, glitz and glam, luxury and, as designers would have it, visions of future finding their roots in the current idea.
And, there is hardly a person absolutely immune to the whole spectacle fashion industry is; the tempting mystery behind the scenes, the exotic setup and gorgeous models, the people who attend these events and seem out of touch and out of reach to anyone who hasn’t rightfully gotten the approval of actually belonging to a fashionista –created scene.
No matter how closed for the “outters”, the fashion world is pretty accepting when it comes to people with an amazing vision, an entrepreneurial spirit and persistence to succeed. So, some wise and systematic organizing on your part will make you a fashionista in no time. But what do you do, you ask?
The fashion world is known for its fabulous events thrown ever so often. So, throw one! Ways to make it work? Stay focused on your goal (the goal being getting Anna Wintour to actually RSVP to one of your events at a point), do some smart planning and live up to the fashion industry expectations!
Here are some things to pay attention to in order to stay in favor of fashion Gods:
Mistiming your New York event
If we are talking US and strictly US, New York is the centre of everything. Don’t expect the glitterati to migrate around the country because you’ve decided to make Nashville the new NY. Not happening. Even LA has troubles competing with NY when it comes to fashion prestige so, please, stay reasonable and do what’s expected from a fashion lover – make NY the core of your fashion interest.
As someone who understands and knows fashion, you surely are informed of all the big events and dates happening in the Big Apple. Therefore, be smart when planning your big thing as organizing a party at the time of Fashion Week will end up with too much money spent on an event nobody ever attended. In fashion, like in life – timing is everything. Also, consider conflicts like season happenings, holidays, the weather, and other potentially deal-breaking matters.
Don’t get overly enthusiastic
Once you organize your event, don’t let it go on forever. Poison is served in small bottles, meaning – you want things to end in the same glory they’ve started. The moment the atmosphere starts to water down, the initial glory of your event will be lost. And, unfortunately – people seem to remember only the last scenes of anything and everything. So, don’t give your guests time to get tired or bored. Put a time span on the party and if necessary, host a separate after-party for close friends who want to keep going all night long.
Don’t be that in-your-face-type-of-person
Assuming you’ve been in the fashion industry for some time now as a stylist, editor, photographer, fashion journalist, or anyone other – you by now understand that in fashion – connections and the right people are everything. However, no matter how visible you want to be, don’t become one of those people who are THERE all the time and trying to be best friends with everyone. It’s unnatural, it’s obvious and quite frankly – despicable. And, once they are onto you – your time in fashion industry is finished. Choose your favorite people after your own heart and let everything naturally develop. Also, if you are throwing a party for business acquaintances steer clear of friends who break down when they spot Cara Dalevigne. Really!
Don’t be cheap
Leaving an impression in the fashion industry is definitely not the arena for you to calculate the budget. To fascinate anyone who is someone in the FI, you need to go big or go home. Naturally, this doesn’t mean getting too extravagant and spending all of your savings on an event, but it also means not DJ-ing yourself but actually hiring someone to do it, forgetting about do-it-yourself flower arrangements, saving on an open bar or failing to hire caterers. Don’t act all shocked – you knew become IT in fashion is costly!
