How to Get Into Next Year's New York Fashion Week | Dearest Lou

How to Get Into Next Year's New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week is one of the most coveted and high-profile events of the year, occurring semi-annually in February and September. Although the events for 2015 officially wrapped up a few weeks ago, it's never too early to start preparing for next year. If your wildest dream is a seat right in front of the runway, the following strategies could get you an invite to New York Fashion Week 2016. 

1. Track down the list of shows
As you might have imagined, NYFW events are planned way in advance, meaning that the official itinerary can be found online months before. Unfortunately, it's not the easiest thing to track down, which is why I would recommend ordering it directly from the press section on the NYFW website. Fashion blogger Sarah Ruhlman wrote on a recent post that she got into NYFW by literally emailing every single person on this list. In these emails, Ruhlman explained why she wanted to come to the show and what she planned to do if she was invited. Ideally, you should be able to present a LookBook account or fashion blog to really sell yourself and your unique sense of style.

2. Hang around Lincoln Center
With all of the craziness surrounding NYFW, many invitees might have sent in an RSVP but still never show up—for one reason or another. Last-minute openings are perfect opportunities to push your way onto the scene. The main area of Lincoln Center is always filled with sponsors eager to network and make sure the show runs as smoothly as possible. And best of all: you don't need a ticket to get into this part of the venue. If you don't have a ticket and sponsors are desperate to fill up a show, you just might end up sitting in the front row from being at the right place at the right time.

3. Use resources at your school
If you're looking to go to NYFW, there's probably a good chance that you attend a Fashion School or some type of Esthetician School. Whether you are a student or not, you will likely be able to take advantage of the resources offered by these types of schools. Talk to instructors and staff members about potential connections they might have with make-up artists, hair stylists, designers, and other related personnel that might be participating in the event. Your school might also have access to internship opportunities and apprenticeships, since the chaos of the event often calls for a little more help.

4. Optimize your social media accounts
Now is the time to start working on building your persona in the industry and start networking with your peers. Even though you might already have your personal social media accounts, you'll want to make entire new ones that are focused exclusively on fashion and beauty. Use these sites to cross-promote your fashion blog and Lookbook account, since this will be the most effective way of getting your stuff out there. Invest in a high-quality camera and take fabulous pictures in your best looks for these accounts. Keep them consistent and you will have developed an impressive resume once February rolls around. In the mean-time, follow fashion-related news accounts and maximize your use of hashtags to boost your appeal.
Part of what makes NYFW so coveted is its exclusivity—meaning that it's not easy for just anyone to get in. Even if you don't actually make it to a show by February, following these steps will help you improve your chances of making it into future shows, while also uncovering opportunities you might not have even been shooting for. Add a little creativity to your strategy and you're sure to be noticed.

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