@20YS FASHION WEEK 101: A SURVIVAL GUIDE TO FASHION WEEK AND BEYOND

‘Tis the season to not only be jolly but to be all out fabulous! ‘Tis the season where everything in your closet gets a closer scrutiny and your news and twitter feeds get filled up with one exciting sartorial update after another.

This, my fashion friends, is the season for Fashion Week. All over all the world, from New York to Paris, Milan to Miami, from Rio to Toronto and of course, Berlin to Ottawa, September is like Christmas morning (or better!) for those of us fiends to fashion.

It’s like our marathon, a Fashion Olympics if you will. And as fashionistas worth every inch of a Christian Loboutin heel, like athletes we must prepare. NO detail too little, NO preparation too meticulous. This is the time of the year where our strength and endurance gets tested to the max and we must prepare for the challenges ahead.

SURVIVAL GUIDE TO OTTAWA FASHION WEEK

As #OFW_LIVE gets launched tonight at its Official Media Night, here’s Twenty York Street’s Survival Guide to not only surviving Ottawa Fashion Week (and all the other spectacular Fashion Weeks and special events you’ve been invited to!) but also enjoying the entire breath taking process.

SMART PHONES ON THE READY

Think of your phone as the most important weapon in your arsenal, it must always be locked and loaded, ready to go. Always.

ML getting down and dirty, charging between shows @OFW_LIVE last season.

That means having your smart phone charged 100% before you get to the venue, bring a portable charger in addition to your actual cord charger and survey the vicinity as soon as you get there. It’s not only about who you know but also knowing where to charge is essential to surviving Fashion Week!

Front row, as captured by the beautiful Katia Pershin, KATIA PERSHIN PHOTOGRAPHY.

VERSATILE OUTFIT – CHIC YET EFFORTLESS

Yes, one aims to make a statement at Fashion Week, stand out, push the boundaries and make an impression and this is certainly the venue to do so. But you do want to be remembered for the right reasons don’t you?

RT001126A DIY Fascinator as made by CARO of French Web TV RUBY TFO and @OFW_LIVE.  

As much fascinators are indeed fascinating, trust me when I tell you that you may not be able to enjoy the runway show when you constantly have to peer through the feathers of your massive headpiece or endlessly tug the hem of your dress because its too short. If you choose to go with one to accentuate your outfit, go for slim yet sturdy pieces like the one above.

Opt for standout pieces that are chic yet effortless. We are talking about hours of shows, standing all night and of course, don’t forget the after parties ’till wee hours in the morning! For beauty red carpet tips, check out @20YS post at Fashion Magazine’s ULTIMATE GUIDE TO TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival – #TIFF13).

If all else fails, go for the classic staple at Fashion Weeks – the LBD!

TRUSTY PEN AND PAPER

This may sound old school but this one (well, two) thing one should not leave home without. Aside from knowing who’s showing, what day and when, it’s important to do your homework and learn the backstory of each designer, know what they specialize in, that way your commentary is informed and thoughtful.

893NCD3S-ML3_6820With journalist and fashionista Julie Beun. Photo courtesy of MARC LAVOIE PHOTO.

Make sure to also familiarize yourself with the designer’s Twitter and Instagram handles, the Fashion Week’s special hashtag, so that your rapid-fire tweeting is not slowed down looking up appropriate accounts.

893NCD3S-ML3_6414ML – Front row OFW. Photo courtesy of MARC LAVOIE of MARC LAVOIE PHOTO.

If anything, the old fashioned pen and paper can double up as your impromptu business cards in case you run out of one. Which brings me to a point, don’t forget your business cards.

NETWORK, NETWORK AND NETWORK SOME MORE

Speaking of business cards, don’t forget the one thing you should be doing – networking. Networking may have gotten a bad rap over the years as it seems to be the only sole purpose of some people attending events but it shouldn’t be, it’s about meeting new people and new opportunities.

FADI GHABY, CEO, SKYFALL BLUE w/  STEPHANE LEDUC, DRESS TO KILL MAGAZINE

It’s true what they say, whether in fashion or any other industry… it’s ALL about who you know. But forget dropping names or flaunting your so called social influences, this is about establishing a solid reputation and developing good working relationships with others in the industry. When you can consistently demonstrate that you are reliable and can deliver, you are most likely to be invited back and you are more likely get invited to all the exclusive industry events as well.

Ms. JANET WILSON, FASHION AND LIFESTYLE EDITOR, OTTAWA CITIZEN.

HAVE SOME FUN AND DON’T TAKE IT TOO SERIOUSLY

This is one brilliant chance to really have fun and be in the moment. There are plenty of red carpet photo ops, do get in on the action, put your best heel forward and smize!

FADI GHABYCEO, SKYFALL BLUE at the red carpet, Forty Under 40 Gala

Don’t fret if you don’t get it all right. The most important thing is to have fun! Think of Fashion as a moving form of art. And like any other art, there is no right or wrong interpretation. Be yourself, be authentic and just let your personality shine through.

If there’s one thing you should remember, egos and attitude do go out of control during these events but be better than that. If someone does give you the snide remark, just let it slide. It’s not worth it.

After all, bitchy is never in style.

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