1. Who sits where?
Sure, it doesn’t take much insider info to harbour a guess at who makes the FROW (front row) – magazine editors like Anna Wintour, Suzy Menkes and influential bloggers like Susie Lau or Leandra Medine.
However, although most invited guests have allocated seating, there is another way in via the ‘standing queue.’ Nearer to show time, these patient people are invited to stand behind the seated rows and very often, because designers like the rows to look full, become a seat filler in the rows.
2. What time should I arrive?
Now I truly understand where the term ‘fashionably late’ originated. No show started less than fifteen minutes over schedule which can be a logistical nightmare when going from one show to the next…in heels.
What’s also helpful to know when planning is that shows are over in a flash. Each look parades the catwalk once, the lights dim, the music changes and then the ‘finale’ is a last chance to see all the looks again as the models walk together. We’re talking max 15 minutes a show.
3. How do photographers ‘mark their territory’ so to speak?
4. What’s the difference between a catwalk show and a presentation?
Good question! A presentation is quite different to a catwalk show and a little more relaxing, although possibly not for the models who stand for a period of up to two hours.
Presentations give you the option to see the whole collection together and facilitates closer inspection. It’s also a lot easier to fit presentations in to your schedule as there’s a two hour window.
5. How can I get my picture taken?
Street style continues to be huge at fashion weeks and the good thing is, you don't need to be among the fashion elite to have your outfit appear on the pages of a magazine.
Parading around Lincoln Center, New York or Somerset House, London in clashing prints, stand-out accessories, bold lips and dashings of self-confidence is a sure way to attract street style photographers.
Just make sure to ask photographers where the images will appear so you can see them after.
6. FROW ettiquette
The seated pose of a FROW-er seems to be hands on the lap, crossed one over the other at the wrists and mimicked with the feet, crossed one over the other at the ankles.
Everyone has their cameras ready to snap and share catwalk looks. If you can resist the temptation, enjoy viewing the looks IRL and take an artistic snap of the finale instead.
I thought selfies were a no-go zone but show goers were more than willing to indulge. But be warned, there wasn’t a selfie stick in sight.
7. Are there freebies?
Yes. Just like how you got goodie bags at parties when you were a kid, this tradition continues in the grown up world of fashion. These are usually under the seats of the first three rows and can be anything from a phone case to a purse or a t-shirt.
My personal favorite was at Orla Kiely who gave guests a washbag and some scented cream which certainly helped keep my fingers pretty for Instagram snaps.
For more behind the scenes stories, visit stories.gettyimages.com
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