By | Zharia McGlothin
Fashion shows, high-end showrooms, glamorous outfit changes, dazzling city lights,
towering skyscrapers, bustling crowds, enticing pop-up events, and exhilarating train rides were just a glimpse of the immersive experiences that defined my unforgettable New York Fashion Week adventure. It was my first NYFW experience, one that I will never forget.
Having spent the summer residing in New York as an intern at Macy's corporate headquarters, specifically as a buying intern in women's shoes, the moment I returned home, I wasted no time in booking my next trip to the city that had captured my heart.
New York Fashion Week, held biannually in February and September, unfolds over a span of seven to nine days, offering a mesmerizing showcase of upcoming fashion collections to the eager public. My trip was meticulously organized, every moment meticulously planned, as I sought to maximize my time in a city that truly never sleeps, and where the possibilities are endless.
Sept. 8, 2023
On my second day in New York City, which marked the beginning of my NYFW activities, I kicked off the day with an early 7 a.m. start, fully aware of the exciting lineup of pop-up events and activities I had planned. I began my journey by boarding the M train in Brooklyn, where I was staying, and made my way to the vibrant neighborhood of Soho in Lower Manhattan.
My first destination was the Her Campus and CollegeFashionista Creators Loft, an event sponsored by CeraVe and Kate Spade New York. The main goal of this 4-day event was to foster connections among a diverse network of creators and offer a unique platform for individuals to engage in informative Q&A sessions with a dermatologist from CeraVe.
The event boasted an enticing array of offerings, such as a "rent a bag" program that allowed attendees to borrow a stylish Kate Spade bag for up to 24 hours. There was also a luxurious beauty bar, courtesy of TRESemmé, where creators could pamper themselves with professional hair styling by the TRESemmé team. A visually appealing wall adorned with CeraVe and TRESemmé products was made available for attendees to take home.
All in all, this event was a well-rounded, enriching experience that allowed me to immerse myself in the creative world, surrounded by like-minded individuals. I felt right at home in my element of content creation, and I was truly honored to be a part of it.
Later that evening I did a quick outfit change and headed back to Soho where I met up with some friends of mine and we headed to the Prada Paradoxe pop-up event. This event allowed individuals to “immerse themselves into the intimate facets of Prada Paradoxe Intense”, a new ambery fragrance that was recently launched.
The visuals inside of this pop-up were truly mesmerizing. There were huge 3-D objects of the perfume, a matcha bar, a photo booth, a table where workers went into depth about the fragrance and provided the full experience of wearing the perfume, and more. At the event, my friends and I ran into Melinda Berry from season two of Netflix's “Too Hot to Handle”, who was so sweet and full of energy.
Leaving the pop-up we went a few blocks down to Paul Hill and Kimberlean Donis's Embodied Spaces: “The Body as Architecture”. A great opportunity to delve into fashion from a different perspective, networking opportunity, and more. The exhibition aimed to establish connections between anatomical, architectural, and sartorial structures by selecting artists whose creations defy conventional notions of spatial movement and positioning. Silk-ruffled skirts crafted by Tia Adeloa dangled gracefully within transparent binders suspended from the ceiling, while vibrant paintings from artists such as Obi Agwam and Milo Davis. This event was truly eye-opening and so beautifully constructed.
Concluding the evening after this event, my friends and I returned to Brooklyn, where we indulged in delicious Jamaican cuisine, engaged in heartfelt conversations, and thoroughly debriefed after a day filled with our first NYFW festive activities.
Sept. 9, 2023
The following day of my NYFW adventures consisted of private Christian Dior Couture Jewelry viewings, Immersive Fashion Showrooms, and more CollegeFashionista Creator Loft events. Firstly I headed into the city around noon where I was set to meet with my Women@dior mentor. We met at the Christian Dior Boutique where she provided me with the opportunity to view the private NYFW exclusive Jewelry showroom consisting of beautifully constructed pieces. As this event was not advertised to the public and was strictly appointment only, it was such an honor to be able to view this showroom. After we grabbed lunch and caught up, I always appreciate our in-person meetings when I am in the city.
Following my mentor meeting, I headed to Brooklyn to attend a Retro-Futuristic Immersive Showroom hosted by Events By Queena, an elevated experiential marketing agency that brings exclusive brand experiences to life. At this event, I viewed designers such as Sergio Ross, BabeYond, SenseByMei, and more.
After leaving the event, I reunited with my friends and we made a pit stop in Tribeca to savor some pizza from an iconic 99-cent pizza spot, a quintessential choice for a day of adventures in the heart of New York City. Our impromptu visit led us to encounter some delightful individuals outside, who happened to be models participating in the fashion week events, providing an excellent opportunity to forge new connections.
The day had taken an unexpected turn as rain poured down on the city, making navigation to various pop-up locations quite challenging. However, we persevered and managed to return to The CollegeFashionista Creators Loft. There, I had a delightful surprise when I ran into one of my first-ever YouTube friends, someone I had known since I was just 13 years old. It was a heartwarming experience to catch up with her and finally meet in person.
As the rain continued to dampen our spirits and the mood of the day, we collectively decided to call it a day and hit the reset button, looking forward to a fresh start tomorrow.
Sept. 10, 2023
On my last intended day in the city, I embarked on a journey to Williamsburg, accompanied by my friends, to partake in the enchanting world of the Chanel "Lucky Chance Diner" pop-up event. This retro-inspired pop-up was a celebration of the launch of their latest fragrance collection, the "Chanel Chance" perfumes, and it proved to be an all-encompassing, sensory-rich experience.
As we entered the diner, we were warmly greeted by staff dressed as traditional servers, setting the stage for an authentic diner ambiance. We were then ushered to tables that resembled a genuine restaurant setting, where the menus were not conventional fare but presented intriguing facts and information about the fragrances. To enhance our immersion, we were served drinks that harmonized with the fragrance themes and presented with a platter of perfumes to savor their scents.
Heading outside of the pop-up where there were ample photo opportunities, a mini Beauty Boutique to purchase the fragrances, matcha, and an Ice cream truck.
The overall experience was profoundly captivating, masterfully conveying the narrative woven into the new fragrances. It was a truly unforgettable way to conclude my time in the city.
Leaving the diner my friends and I grabbed food from a Mexican restaurant down the street thus saying our goodbyes. Afterward, I walked around Williamsburg and used this time to reflect on all my experiences these last few days.
As I was sitting outside I received an email stating that my return flight home was canceled due to adverse weather conditions. This unexpected change of plans led me to another day in New York where I enjoyed being in the city. My flight then got canceled for a second time and then a third and in total 4 flights and 2 days later I finally was on the next flight back home to Ohio.
Overall, I had an amazing time during my first New York Fashion Week. When venturing to New York, one must brace for the unforeseen, as it's a place that thrives on the unpredictable, offering random yet profoundly meaningful encounters and a plethora of unforgettable experiences. I eagerly anticipate the forthcoming of attending the spring New York Fashion Week in February.
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