In preparation of my first time at Toronto Fashion Week I decided to do a little research as to what I should be aware of.
As recommended by a blog post that I came across earlier this week (which I can't seem to find now)
1. Printed pants were in - I feel as if I saw the exact pair recommended
2. Water - you will definitely need some. I'm not sure if it's the amount of talking done or the wait time, but water will keep you in better company. (make is a size small though)
3. Picture-taker - be it your phone or your camera, you will want to click. However do not overestimate the battery life of your phone, make sure it's fully charged
4. Small notebook - this one was great for me, as I planned on posting my thoughts and experiences of the event but it does make you seem 'important' giving you a writer/blogger vibe and can help you fit in or simply give you something to do during the slow hours
5. Colourful clutch - definitely add a burst of colour into your outfit, be it the clothing or the accessories. (my greenie - below - and my nails were my bursts of colour which were much appreciated by Maybelline)
In addition some of my recommendations after my experience today are:
6. Arrive early - gives you some time to enjoy the fashion environment and be ahead of the pack when the doors/curtains open.
7. Prep-before-Pic - when being photographed take a quick 2 seconds to breathe, calm down, adjust yourself, and smile. This might seem like a given to those familiar with the events but can be quite a rush for someone's first time as most people are willing to smile before realizing their necklace is crooked or their collar is drooping
8. Stick around - hang out for a bit after your show especially if it's in the late evening. The scene is lively and there's a lot of people to meet and opportunities to network
9. Dress for an occasion - here is one place that you want to stand out ...in a good way. This is a great opportunity to dress 'different', 'out there' and 'to the tens' on a sunny afternoon without feeling out of place and like everyone's staring at you...well at least if they're staring at you it's because they think you look fabulous and you're probably one of the models ;) Vibrant colours, chic and stunning.
10. Talk to people - interact with people. Go in with an open mind. Sometimes an agenda may hold you back, but of course not always.
A lot of stalker-like photographs will be taken of the various attendees by the various media, reporters, and bloggers so keep smiling :)
So...I've always had an interest in fashion and it has been growing over the past couple of years. I am no fashion blogger or fashionista, just a lady who loves and appreciates clothing of various styles and the dress-up process (I frequently find myself dressing up regardless of having a place to go;).
So this year I decided that since I've always wanted to be part of this growing fashion industry I decided to attend a show at the Toronto Fashion Week. Quite excited to attend this event the night before, I was quite nervous on the day of. Slightly unclear as to where it was, not knowing what social protocol was in play at the fashion environment (lounge), attending by myself, and not knowing what to wear, all added to quite an intimidating feel.
Approaching the white tents gave the feeling of make-up artists and stylists dressing important people inside and thereby could seem a little unfamiliar to someone not part of the fashion industry. Regardless, after the awkward moments of trying to open locked doors, I got to purchase the ticket to my preferred show.
Oh, before I forget - How I Chose VAWK?
I decided to go through the schedule and since Wednesday was the day most convenient for me I scrolled through the designers for that day. Besides the convenient time, VAWK promised to be quite the inspiring event for a newbie such as myself. Sunny Fong, Toronto native, was showcasing his new Sci-Fi Samurai themed designs/outfits, and on top of that was releasing his new line VAWKKIN, which utilized "real" women (not models but abiding by a 5'6ft rule with one exception of a 5'3 and injecting diversity~will be addressed in a later post on the modelling industry) with clothing made for women in the working world - outfits to go from work to night. I call it the line for the 'vawkkin' woman. It was a great runway with gorgeous designs and details of fur linings and cut outs. Chic and sophisticated.
However for a first-timer like myself the experience of Toronto Fashion Week was about the runways shows but was also about the fashion environment. Here in the lounge where attendees and guests mingle while waiting for the show to begin, photographs are taken, contacts are exchanged, events are promoted, and networks are formed. It was interesting to see fashion students, celebrities, photographers, reporters, bloggers and of course general interest fashion fans all come together under one roof/tent.
Being asked questions, getting photographed and selling yourself ...because you just never know when 'you'll' be in style was a great experience of a sliver of the fashion industry. There was excitement and style all over the area. And it really shows you how large the fashion industry is - but can also be an exclusive industry.
Overall, I think it was a great event and I'm already itching to head over to the great white tent tomorrow to check out the Pink Tartan. I recommend checking out the Toronto Fashion Show at least once if you are even the least bit interested in the fashion industry. Therefore if you find yourself owning more than 10 pairs of shoes, watching ANTM or PR or FS, or discussing clothes with your girlfriends, or even enjoying the shopping or dressing up process - the Toronto Fashion Week will not disappoint you. Instead it will fill you with more curiousity and intrigue for the industry, whether or not you can afford runway items...it promises to inspire you.
