Whether you’re an insider or a first timer, New York Fashion Week can be equal parts intimidating and inspiring. For that one week in February or September, streets in New York City are filled with even more models than usual and photographers are lurking around every corner. When I attended my first show at the invitation of a friend, I was incredibly envious of the fashion journalists who got to be part of this world every day.
As a young 20-something working in the fashion industry, but with no journalistic experience, I felt like an outsider looking in at the ‘cool table.’ I decided I would see and report on as many shows as I could. Since then, I have been lucky enough to report on quite a few shows, and have learned that you don’t need to be a seasoned writer – all you need is a little bit of ambition and the desire to tell a good story.
Here are my essential tips to covering #NYFW as a newcomer.
1) Find your story
There are TONS of incredible writers and fashion bloggers out there. Think about an original angle. There will be plenty of articles about what color palette designers are gravitating towards or what the top 5 trends for the next season will be. Dig deeper. Think about what story hasn’t been told that you wish writers would report. One of my early NYFW pieces was about the experience for young designers to show at fashion week for the very first time. Working in the industry, I knew how much happened behind the scenes and how rarely it was highlighted.
2) Find the right channel
I thought about the audience that would relate to a piece on that idea and pitched the editors of a site I thought would be a good fit. They loved the idea and the piece was a success.
3) Do your homework
There are a slew of designers I personally love, but that doesn’t always mean they are right for your article. Look into every resource you can think of for new ideas. Really research your subjects to ensure they are right for the type of story you want to tell.
Think about what story hasn’t been told that you wish writers would report.
4) Perfect your pitch
PR agents are busy people. When you contact a PR rep, make sure your pitch is interesting and on point for the designer they represent. Showcase your research and show them that you are invested in reporting on their client.
5) Cast a wide net
Most PR contacts can be found on the designers’ websites. Email everyone you can. For every PR agency that responds to you, there will be at least 5 who don’t. Casting a wide net will ensure you have enough sources and information to write an interesting piece.
6) Don’t be intimated
There are so many stories to tell during NYFW and with the right approach, you could be sharing one that your audience needs to hear to #bSmart with their fashion.
You can learn more about Rachel Sax at www.nonaerose.com.
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