ABCs of NYFW
Whether you're a front-row VIP or you don't have even have a Standing Room Only ticket, here's what the celebs know about NYFW spring 2017—and you should too!
Anna Wintour
Vogue's editor-in-chief has a heavy hand in just about all things NYFW. Her front-row presence alone at a show will garner the designer much more attention. Not to mention, Anna has already seen and unofficially approved noteworthy collections before they've even hit the runway. Is her opinion the only one that matters? No—but it means a lot.
Baja East
You may not have heard of the design duo behind this brand, but Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Kate Hudson and Solange Knowles sure have. In fact, designers Scott Studenberg and John Targon's pool of celeb buds run deep. We get it—we'd want to be clothed in slouchy-but-flattering fits and graphics swagger all the time too.
Cartier Mansion Unveiling Party
Remember in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days when Kate Hudson goes to the diamond party? OK, imagine that times 10. At one of NYFW's most elaborate events, Cartier will unveil the new renovations to its Fifth Avenue flagship mansion—with a party, after-party and plenty of celebs, like Sofia Coppola, Katie Holmes, Rooney Mara, Uma Thurman and Catherine Zeta Jones, umm, frosting themselves.
Digital Strategy
Runway shows and presentations are expensive, which is why a lot of brands are scaling back this season. Misha Nonoo is making headlines with a Snapchat-only show, while brands like Kate Spade New York and Diane von Furstenberg—famous for their fun and thematic presentations—are opting for press-and-industry-only showings.
Eva Mendes
For the first time ever, Hollywood A-lister and Ryan Gosling's baby mama is showing a collaboration collection with contemporary brand New York & Company. Stay tuned to see Eva walk us through the line!
Frow
Because "front row" is just too long to say in its entirety. Everyone knows the frow carries major weight, reserved for top celebs, editors and buyers. Of course, hierarchical seating involves politics, and you'll see at least one faux VIP throw a fit over their second or third-row seat a season. Hey, we like our Standing Room Only tickets.
Gemma
The downtown hot spot is adjacent to celeb haven, The Bowery Hotel. Chances are you'll see models, celebs and fashion elite stop by a meeting here or just to delight in the comforting Italian fare. Not to mention, the patio seating is great for some people watching.
Harper's Bazaar Icons Party
As if Kanye West wasn't busy enough with his own NYFW show, he'll be performing at and co-hosting (alongside Kim Kardashian, of course) the annual Harper's Bazaar Icons Party. Expect to see a slew of celebs and fashion big-names, including Kylie and Kendall Jenner, of course.
Instagirls
You may not follow Fashion Week, but you sure keep up with Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Karlie Kloss, Cara Delevingne and other models making or who have already made a name for themselves in the industry as well as on social media platforms. These beauties give us an inside look at industry-only events, making us feel a part squad…even if we may only have 200 followers.
Juice
As in the meal(?) du jour during NYFW. Probably not the most satisfying option but it seems everyone is too busy to eat a full entrée.
Kate Young
As if the A-list Hollywood stylist isn't busy enough fitting her clients, which include Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman, Dakota Johnson, Selena Gomez, Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchett, among others, for the Toronto Film Festival, Emmys and Fashion Week—but she's also taken up the task of styling the celeb-loved Cushnie et Ochs runway show. She's one to know, watch and follow!
Lust-Have
Another fashion-y term we hear often around shows, defining an object or piece that a person desires, to a higher degree than just a mere must-have.
Monse
This brand received rave reviews last season and quickly got the attention of editors, buyers and celebs (including Amal Clooney, Sarah Jessica Parker, Selena Gomez and Brie Larson) alike. If you're going to catch any show this season, pay close attention to the designs of Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia.
NoMad
If you're in town and up for some celeb spotting, NoMad is where it's at. Why? It's close to one of the show hubs—the Skylight at Moynihan Station—and offers seven different private dining rooms, including a rooftop, for any VIPs that book in advance.
Opening Ceremony
OC's NYFW shows are like a box of chocolates—you never know what you're going to get. We do know that this season's show will be hosted by Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen, along with special guests Aidy Bryant, Ali Wong, Alia Shawkat, Aubrey Plaza, Diane Guerrero, Jessica Williams, Natasha Lyonne, Rashida Jones, Rosario Dawson, Rowan Blanchard, Sarah McBride and Whoopi Goldberg. Comedy show, anyone?
Polo Bar
Ralph Lauren's The Polo Bar is another celeb hot spot during NYFW and basically all throughout the year. It just opened last season, but reservations have been near impossible to make. Unless, of course, you're Kim Kardashian.
Quarter
In case you were ogling the shoes, did you know the part above heel is called a quarter? Just some style anatomy for you!
Rosie Assoulin
If up-and-coming designers and brands are what you seek (plus, ones that have big celeb followings), keep an eye out for Rosie Assoulin. If her fun, feminine but structurally intriguing designs are good enough for Rihanna, Olivia Wilde, Kirsten Wiig and Gwyneth Paltrow…
See Now/Buy Now
You'll hear this term a lot this season. It's the brand's attempt to make their show more relatable to the consumer. Instead of waiting six months after a collection has shown on the runway to be available for purchase in stores, certain lines, like Tom Ford and Rebecca Minkoff, will be shoppable immediately after they show.
Tom Ford
Typically, a star-studded affair, this season's show will be a rather intimate one. But don't worry—you'll be able to livestream the entire event on the brand's site. And, in case you see anything you like on the runway (and can afford it), you can purchase the piece right away!
Uber
With shows running late and after-parties running even later, you better believe Lyft, Uber and other car services will be in high demand. Then there's OZOcar, a service of environmentally friendly chauffeured vehicles, which have been taken by the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Blythe Danner and Rachael Ray.
Venues
There are the major show spaces like Skylight at Clarkson Square and Skylight at Moynihan Station. However, some designers have opted to think outside of the box in the way they present their collections, opting for the Whitney Museum, the Plaza Hotel or even the New York Marble Cemetery to show their lines. Points for creativity!
What to Wear
You'll see NYFW outfits run the gamut, from over-the-top looks made to catch the photog's eye to more off-duty-appropriate, white tee and jeans combos. Our advice? Dress for your level of comfort and confidence.
Zara Lace Top, $26; Topshop Nibbled Hem Tee, $22; Needle & Thread Embellished Chiffon Bomber Jacket, $460; Alexander Wang Boyfriend Jeans, $295; H&M Boots, $60; Monki Mini Satchel Bag, $33