Why I Show Up

My very first fashion week was in 2011.

NYFW has definitely changed a lot since then. It makes me so happy to see how open and welcoming designers are and how they’ve really embraced digital influencers. When I first started attending fashion week, less than 10 years ago, it was definitely a different story.

Let’s take a little walk down memory lane, shall we?

As you guys know, I’ve been doing fashion weeks in NY and Paris for the past few years, and it’s not all the glitz and the glamour that I make it out to be. Back in the beginning, it was nearly impossible to get a seat for a show (not even in the front row just a seat anywhere) and I really had to prove myself and show that I deserved to be there. Editors are obviously a mainstay at runways shows, invited through their publications to do coverage, but back in 2011- the ‘fashion blogger’ was a mystery to the industry. What could they possibly do? Take a selfie? Post an ‘OOTD’? To the rest of the world, it all seemed very narcissistic.

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But for 5 years, I kept showing up. Knocking on doors… sometimes even sneaking in! I wanted to cover as many of the shows as possible and share them with you all on my blog, YouTube channel, and now Instagram.

The hard work has definitely paid off, especially through showing designers and brands that through my content platforms, I can highlight the amazing work of the houses and share something inspiring and beautiful with you all! It was through the content I created, the hustle of my team, plenty of plane tickets, and sleepless nights that I was able to get the attention of the fashion world.

I look back at those early days with a happy heart. I remember being so hungry to get in, to be accepted. I’ll never forget the blood sweat and tears.

Fast forward 7ish years later and I’m still attending fashion week with a grateful heart. Sadly, due to my pregnancy this season, I’m sitting this one out. Though we’re sending someone from the team on my behalf, I can’t help but notice an attitude shift about NYFW and fashion week in general.

So many people, especially within the fashion industry are quote-unquote “over it” and to be honest, that’s kind of disheartening. I’ve heard people saying things like “fashion week is not the same anymore” or “it’s not as exciting as it used to be” or “I’m not getting paid so I’m not going,” and the list goes on.

I won’t lie to you guys, I’m guilty of it too. I got caught up in the hype but I had to take a moment to think back to those sleepless nights, the sneaking into shows… and I remembered how far I’ve come. That there are girls on the other side of it all who are still in the position I was in a few years ago.

I also have to remember- this is basically part of my job description. It’s not a traditional job by any means, but as an influencer/editor, my job is to show up and create beautiful content in hopes that it will inspire you guys.

So even though I might get tired and stressed (which I do, trust me) I know that this is a part of the job that I chose, and I appreciate every single second of it. So if any of you reading this are just starting Fashion Week, don’t be discouraged and keep knocking on those doors. And the girls who are doing what I do, let’s not forget where we started from and be thankful for every opportunity.

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I’m so excited to see all the amazing things my peers will be doing, creating and am looking forward to watching the best street style and of course, the amazing runway shows this year just as I am every year.

What do you guys think about fashion week? I’d love to hear what you have to say and keep this conversation going. Leave a comment down below and be sure to follow @thechrisellefactor Instagram to see the CINC NYFW Coverage!