NYFW: Right Where Life Wanted Me To Be

Fashion shows and New York City go well together for a reason. They both require a lot of walking, they both allow for displays of passion in all forms imagined, and they’re both places that are crowded with people who are striving to fulfill a dream.

As a twenty-year-old female who not only lacks confidence but also basic fashion knowledge, the idea of attending New York Fashion Week never really seemed logical to me. I’m classified as what people call a “bargain shopper” (I call it a smart shopper) and my first step into a pair of high heels was less than three months ago.

Of course I’ve always envied those women who are dressed to impress no matter what the occasion but I know the time and money it takes to live that kind of life style, and those are two things that I have very little of.

Regardless of my insecurities, I took on the opportunity to attend New York Fashion Week with an open mind and a constant reminder that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Now that it’s all said and done, I can honestly say that it wasn’t just a once in a lifetime opportunity; It was an experience to last a lifetime.

When I arrived at Lincoln Center for the first time, I immediately felt as though I had stepped into a television show. It was crowded with Grade A fashionistas, all perfectly dressed in the chicest of clothing which only seemed to enhance their already sophisticated composure. My first instinct was to ask my mom, FashionMingle.net founder, Melissa Shea, (who is fortunately an experienced Fashion Week veteran) every question imaginable. “What if I accidentally stand in a photographers way?” and “What should I be taking pictures of?” are the ones that I re-call asking at least five times.

We scrambled through security and made it into the fashion war zone. My mom had to go check in through an area that I was not allowed access to (being a newbie and all) so I stood next to the entrance, put the camera around my neck, and attempted to make the facial expression of someone who knows what they’re doing.

After five minutes of “professionally” observing the scene, I spotted my mom weaving through the crowd with her Jill Stuart press pass in hand. She quickly led me to the backstage area for the upcoming show where I was surprised to find models that looked no older than me. They were each starring in the mirror, expressionless, surrounded by stylists and press members. I wasn’t quite sure of my objective so I decided to just follow around the photographers who looked like they knew what they were doing. I found this technique to also be helpful during the fashion shows and was probably the only reason I was able to get halfway decent shots.

Photographer: Brandy Shea

We left the backstage area and began walking through a long hallway that led up to the tent where the fashion show would be. With much anticipation I stepped inside and began walking towards the runway. Knowing that the models would soon be walking down that white runway gave me an urge to experience it for myself, plus I wanted an awesome picture to show off on Facebook.

Once my backstage photo shoot was complete, I went to the press pit where we had to squeeze in like sardines. It was impressive to see how easily the other photographers could maneuver their way in and show no shame when doing so. I had a countless number body parts in my face but everyone acted as thought it was perfectly normal, so I assumed it was and kept my eyes fixed to the ground.

As I was sitting there in a pretzel like form, taking in the moment, I became shocked when I noticed how incredibly nice everyone was to one another. They held each others spots, they moved things around to make room for the straggling late-comers, and they talked to me like I was one of them regardless of how inexperienced I seemed. We were all there for the same reason yet there was no competitive vibe; we were a team. Coming to that realization and being surrounded by pure ambition provided an indescribable feeling that actually brought tears to my eyes. It was as if every empty part of my body had been filled and I was right where life wanted me to be.

As the last empty seats filled and my fellow press pit members got in ready position, I brought the Nikon’s viewfinder to my eye and checked to see that I had a straight shot of the runway. Then, within seconds, the lights dimmed and a blast of music came on, fueling the anticipated adrenaline rush. I took a deep breath and tilted my head in between the multiple elbows that were in dangerously close range to my face . I began to get a charlie horse in my calf and my right elbow felt as though it was breaking, but the pain didn’t matter. There was only ten minutes to get a good shot and re-adjusting could waste valuable time, so I put my full focus on the models strutting down the runway.

Those ten minutes felt like three and just as quickly as the it began, the insanity was over. Members of the press pit began quickly packing their things and scurried away to the next show. I began to stand up and noticed that my legs were shaking uncontrollably, partly from adrenaline and partly from the awkward position I was forced to sit in. It was like waking up unexpectedly from a really bizarre dream that causes a euphoric feeling, and although I had aches in muscles that I didn’t even know existed, that feeling of euphoria left me wanting more.

I’ve always been the type of person to consistently have negative thoughts running through my head (not out of choice) however I felt different at Fashion Week. Even though it’s one of the most draining and physically debilitating things that a person can do, the adrenaline, euphoria, and passion all combined together provides a feeling of complete contentment. So if you’re like me and have always wondered why anyone would want a career in such a stressful, low paying industry, the emotional fulfillment is your answer.

Now that I’m back to reality at home I seem to understand life a little better. I still don’t have the time or money to purchase designer clothing but my experience at fashion week taught me that there’s more to the fashion industry than just material items. It’s about the designer’s passion seen within each model’s walk, and the motivation felt within the press pit to perform as a professional. It’s about those who contribute to the core of the fashion industry and keep New York Fashion Week alive. It’s about doing what you can to be part of the team.

Photographer: Brandy Shea