New York Fashion Week: What Is It Really Like To Go To A Runway Show?

Posted by The Fashion Priest on Sep 12, 2012 in News | 0 comments

When my stylish daughter Sarah called to say that she had an extra ticket to a fashion show during New York Fashion Week, she invited her father to go instead of me. But, I wasn't offended; the two of them share a fashionable gene, while I am the one usually wearing unfashionable jeans. He was going to be out of town, so by default I was invited to my first ever fashion show. Being me, it didn't occur to me that I would have to dress up somewhat, even to be in the audience, and it wasn't until 8:30 the night before that I thought about what I was going to wear. Going through my "nice" clothes, I realized that they had all been purchased in the '90s, when I was two sizes larger than I am now. Panic ensued, and I actually did a late night dash to TJ Maxx, getting there ten minutes before they closed. As I am not a shopper at the best of times, trying to find an outfit for the premier fashion event of the year in a discount store as they are closing... well, it just was not going to happen. Back home, I found a suit I purchased in a thrift shop and never wore, as it was too big. If you are wondering why I bought it in the first place, that is an excellent question and the answer is I have absolutely no idea). I hemmed the pants and since I can't really sew I used safety pins to turn up the sleeves. I wore it with my one really nice top, a turquoise Vivienne Tam. (I have no problem confessing that it was the third time I have worn that top this week. And it is only Tuesday. I really like it).

Outfit set, I then started to worry about logistics. Where and when should I go? What do you do at a fashion show? Do you need tickets? Will they know I don't know anything? I texted Sarah innumerable times, and to her credit, she replied to all of my questions. She has my ticket. She will meet me at Lincoln Center. It doesn't matter what I wear. They won't know or care what I do. It wasn't until my tenth text that I thought to ask what show we would be seeing. I had never even heard of it.

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