This year was my first time attending NYFW and it was a great experience! NYFW is typically an industry event where designers, models, buyers, influencers, and fashion media or press are invited into a world of creative genius. However, what about the little people who dream of attending fashion week, breaking into the fashion industry and being privy to that creative genius? You may have been in the same boat as I this year with the desire to go but with the knowledge that you are not yet important enough to get invited, you don’t know anyone who can get you into the show and you’ve thought of requesting but your blog stats and following is not big enough to attract PR companies. You may feel like there is no possible way that you can get in but I’m here to tell you that anything is possible when you put your mind to it and you step forward with confidence.

If you are sharp, quick, and know how to finesse then you will appreciate the 6 ways I’ve learned to break into this exclusive event.

Assist, Assist, Assist

Do you have a useful skill and have the time to work for free? If so, then roll up your sleeves and don’t be afraid to send out an email and ask to be an assistant to either an editor, stylist, buyer, or journalist during fashion week. Figure out the best way to reach out to the person via Twitter or email and send them an extremely flattering email and why you would like to work for FREE and literally do anything that they require of you during that time. It will absolutely be a hectic job but at least you’ll gain access into the shows and the after parties.

Work With A PR Company

The route that I took this year t0 get into fashion week was via working with a PR company. There are many different PR companies that man fashion week and you can discover in advance who will be representing which shows through Modem Online which has a mostly complete list of PR companies and contacts. Simply search and email these PR companies with your intention to work for free and provide your resume and cover letter. Many PR companies need the help of workers to place seating assignments, place, gift bags, man check in, and usher standby seating. It is a pretty simple job and once complete you have the opportunity to watch the entire show and sometimes with great viewpoints.

Work As A Dresser

Are you a budding stylist? Do you have a portfolio of work and time on your hands to do some free work? If so then becoming a dresser may be your in and also a great way to network and meet with the models.

(Disclaimer the next insider tips are for the master finessers)

Sneak In Through The Backstage

In order to sneak in backstage you have to stroll in with confidence and you have to look like you have a job. Make sure that you are wearing all black, have a small notebook and pen, and be ready to simply walk inside. Some shows are at a warehouse with multiple entrances and if there is a door unmanned by security you can simply slide through quickly and slip in with the volunteers or look down at a notepad like you are a writer.

Slip In As A Standing Room Ticket

Observe the entrance of the show and figure out where the standing room ticket holders are sent. While ticketed show goers are ushered into the show, standing room is either directed to the other door or are asked to line up along the side entrance. If there is a big crowd going into that direction then simple blend into that crowd and get in when they call standing room to pass through to the show.

Watch For Thrown Away Press Passes

Photographers and tv crews are usually given a press pass for one day and after they are used sometimes they are just thrown away. If you are super observant you may be able to pick up on a discarded press pass and if the press pass is for a photographer than make sure that you have a camera on hand.

Comment down below if you’ve gone to fashion week and how you got into the show!