A Fashion Blogger's First Fashion Week Experience

A few months ago, I received an email from one of the coordinators of Vancouver Fashion Week inviting me to attend and have full access to shows and backstage. My initial thought was, "heck yes!" as I was beyond thrilled to not only be invited to fashion week but also have a peek at what really goes on behind the scenes of a fashion show. My backstage pass allowed me to go anywhere and everywhere and today I want to share my experience with you. I would have loved to attend the full week, but due to travel plans, I was only able to attend the finale show. Read on for a full inside scoop on how models prepare for the runway, a peak into hair and make-up pre-runway, a look into some of the designers showcased and my overall thoughts and feelings attending the SS17 show.

I started off the evening taking my seat in the front row to preview a couple of the John Casablanca Institute collections as well as a stunning formalwear collection by Sam Stringer. Watching fashion on a runway is like finally being able to watch your favourite music artist in concert, in the front row, but 1000 times better. I felt so much excitement seeing each garment float down the runway to eventually complete a cohesive collection.

 Photo by Oliver Mann
Vesuvius by Sam Stringer; Photo by Oliver Mann

It was hard to peel myself away from my chair, but I thought it would be a good idea to witness some pre-runway action. I decided to head on back behind the LED screen where I found an army of models dressed and ready to strut.  I always pictured backstage feeling and looking chaotic, but surprisingly I found the overall mood pretty calm. There were a lot of people crammed into a small space helping with last-minute wardrobe, make-up and hair touch-ups- enough to give me a little
anxiety/claustrophobia.




I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to ask some of the models how they calmed their nerves pre-runway. I received a response from 3 beautiful girls:











"I listen to whatever music is playing...the beat...and start dancing. [It] gets me excited to be on the runway and [I] feel less nervous"

-Georgia wearing Zeyi
Photo by Oliver Mann
















"I take deep breaths..."

-Michelle wearing Johanna DiNardo
Photo by Oliver Mann

























"I just go for it...push myself and do the best I can"

-Danijela wearing Zeyi
 Photo by Oliver Mann










Afterwards, I went upstairs to hair and make-up to witness more magic taking place. Being a blogger, I am constantly in front of a camera, sometimes in front of an audience, in a public place and it can be quite awkward. I met two models in hair and thought, who better to ask than the pros at being photographed for any tips on being in front of a camera. I was met with some juicy tips:



"Think Murder...fierce...express with your eyes and smize (smile with your eyes). [Remember to] own your look and use all your angles well".

-Justine wearing Johanna Dinardo
Photo by Oliver Mann
















"Familiarize yourself with your body and the way you move... [and remember to constantly] practice good posture"

-Sophia wearing Sharleez Concept
Photo by Oliver Mann


















All-in-all it was an experience to remember. I loved being able to see how all the pieces of the fashion show puzzle piece fit together. You would never realize how many people and how much preparation it takes to create a 3-5 minutes show.

 Johanna DiNardo; Photo by Oliver Mann

 Zeyi; Photo by Oliver Mann

Photo by Oliver Mann

Have you had the chance to attend fashion week or a fashion show before? What was your experience like?

I will be sharing my full outfit details in an upcoming post, so stay tuned

*A Special thanks to Van Fashion Week for having me and Oliver Mann for the photography.

99 comments

  1. I was on fashion week in Berlin and also I'm pleased to remeber this experience:-) Lovely photos my dear :-)

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  2. Hey babe

    Aaah it sounds like your first time was a really good one, you looked gorgeous and I loved the models tips :) I have attended many and they always fun, it just gets hectic when you attend all the shows the entire week, so I prefer to pick and choose.. xxx

    www.fashionjazz.co.za

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    Replies
    1. It was so amazing! Yeah I can see how it would be hectic to attend everyday so choosing the one's you prefer sounds like a good plan!

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  3. How cool you got a full pass! Everything looks so amazing. I have been to NYFW once and attended one show and some events. Time of my life!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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    Replies
    1. I was so grateful to have that experience. I would love to attend NYFW one day!

      Delete
  4. You are so lucky you had to attend. It's quite an experience.

    xx
    http://www.thestylefanatic.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I felt lucky! It really was quite the experience.

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  5. Wow! What a great experience! The pictures looks so fun! Thank you for sharing!
    Love, Pisa
    www.inlovewithmyclothes.com

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  6. FW is always a great experience!
    I had the chance to attend Milan FW, the best!!!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    My Facebook

    My Instagram

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, how I would love to attend Milan FW one day!

      Delete
  7. Aww! congrats girlie, I can see you had fun. Great event.

    www.tessyonyia.com

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  8. That's a great experience. The collection looked lovely.
    www.comfycozyup.com

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  9. Look at you at front row!! Babe you were born for this seat hehe! Thank you so much for the juicy tips and for this thorough post you created! I have never been to a big fashion show but fingers are crossed for February fashion week :) Can't wait to see your outfit details!
    Have a wonderful day!
    xoxo
    Stella
    www.stellaasteria.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hehe! I definitely felt special being in the FROW =p. Oo i can't wait to hear all about fashion week in Feb!

      Delete
  10. Amazing photos ! Such a great event.
    Many kisses
    Marie

    www.whatiwearinlondon.com

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  11. So lucky! :))))

    Federica Di Nardo
    http://federicadinardo.com

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  12. Wow, you were so lucky to receive a full pass. I have never attended a fashion show. The atmosphere on the day must be amazing.

    www.mydailywear.co.uk

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    Replies
    1. It was really exciting! I can't wait for the next!

      Delete
  13. Fashion week sounds a lot of fun, I've never been but I'd like to, those pictures are all gorgeous too :)

    Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog

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  14. Hola Rina muy buenos días!
    Qué maravilla de desfile tuvo que ser una gozada disfrutarlo de primera mano, un besazo fuerte.
    http://www.elblogdesilvia.com/2016/10/Streetstyle-NY-New-York-Midi-dress-Converse-Blogger-Influencer.html

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  15. Amazing photos!! Congratulations!!

    http://www.sweetpoppy.dudeklatero.com

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  16. I still remember my first fashionweek experience in Paris, one to never forget! Nice post dear!

    Xx,

    || FLOORTJELOVES ||

    www.floortjeloves.com
    www.facebook.com/floortjeloves

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  17. I'm a huge fashion week fan and I am totally loving this post!

    XX,
    Shai
    www.shairahabon.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sounds like an amazing experience. Beautiful post, girl.
    xox
    Lenya
    FashionDreams&Lifestyle

    ReplyDelete
  19. Looks like fun! Great pics!
    ~Samantha
    http://goldcoastgirlblog.com

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  20. Yay so happy you wrote about this! I remember you telling me about getting to go to Vancouver Fashion Week and I was hoping you'd do a post. How cool that you got an all access pass to it all too. I really really love how you asked the models about their nerves before the show and then quoted them. I would be so freaking nervous to talk to anyone haha. But that's such a great idea! I really enjoyed reading this post lady. Your images are pretty freaking spectacular too. :)

    -Emily www.coatandcoffee.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yess! I definitely wanted to share it as it was such a cool first experience. I do wish I had spent more time watching the shows though. I got distracted talking to the models backstage lol. Suprisingly I felt extremely comfortable talking to them, they we're all really nice and sweet!

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  21. I love the advice from the models about how they calm themselves down before they go on the runway. Wonderful post, it sounds like a really amazing experience!

    alicered.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you did Alice! We can all use the advice for different areas in our life 💗

      Delete
  22. Lovely post!
    Dora www.BangsBang.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. It's been a while, my last NYFW was in 2013 but hopefully, I'll be there again next year. It's an amazing experience. Very surreal. And it sounds as though you had loads of fun :)


    https://sheelagoh.com/2016/10/12/faeries-wear-boots-too/

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  24. Looks like a great fashion show to be a part. The collections are great! I got the chance to attend a couple of shows this summer and loved them. Great experiences! :)

    http://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really was! The pieces showcased were phenomenal!

      Delete
  25. Wow babe its looks so fun!! Making me remember my first FW days such great memories!!
    Love the outfit too!
    xx
    Marcy

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  26. This is such a great experience! ♥ I've attended some fashion show events here in our country, and the experience was overwhelming. :) Hope to hear from you soon!

    Love, Airish
    Gorgeous Glance
    http://airishabella.blogspot.com

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  27. This is such a great post! It's so good to get a little behind the scenes look into fashion week! Hope you had a blast!
    x Emily
    http://shedoes.com.au

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Emily! I agree! Something to experience at least once 💗

      Delete
  28. Lovely, great post!

    Adaora
    www.adaorasoludo.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Fashion week is bloggers heaven. Lovely designs.

    http://deffinatlyshaz.co.zw/

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  30. Congrats on that. I can't wait to have a similar opportunity some day. I love the pictures too.
    sophieatieno.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Wow what a great experience! Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

    ReplyDelete
  32. un post genial, me encanta!
    Muchas gracias por tu comentario en mi blog bonita, te espero por mi nuevo post, besitos!
    http://patriciasanchezstylestreet.blogspot.com.es/

    ReplyDelete
  33. This is great! Congrats!
    http://hairandvibes.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. What an incredible experience! I love the advice models gave about being in front of the camera!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks babe! It was. Glad you enjoyed it 💗💗

      Delete
  35. I can't believe this was the first time for you as you are for me definitely a blogger pro and you look additionally as a true influencer! Thanks a lot for sharing the interesting experiences as I have to admit I never have visited a fashion week in my life :)
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww Rena, what a sweet thing to say! I've actually just really been blogging fully this year so it means a lot to me that you feel that way! You just made my week!

      Delete
  36. What an amazing experience! One of my biggest goals in life is to attend fashion week.

    Rebeccaetc.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Becca! You will get there babe! I would love to attend NYFW one day.

      Delete
  37. How fabulous !
    Yep, I've seen runway and been on one. I almost died when I walked out I wanted it to be over soon as I feared falling.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How amazing that you've walked a runway! I would be way too nervous!

      Delete
  38. Isn't Fashion Week an amazing experience? Loved reading this, lady!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love experiencing fashion weeks - not even because of the newests collections, but because of the guests outfits !


    Carmelatte

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh i know! People dress so fab! Street style is Def a favorite for me!

      Delete
  40. Damn guuuurl! This post is so good, loved reading it! And you are definitely working the fashionista life, sitting front row and everything on your first fashion week? So so good and I'm so proud of you! Xx

    www.thefashionfolks.com

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    Replies
    1. Aww thanks babe, that means a lot coming from you! You write the most amazing and influential fashion pieces. Your kind words mean a lot to me!

      Delete
  41. What a great experience... I love the long dresses :)

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. What a great experience! I haven't had the chance to attend a fashion show yet. we get to live this experience with you through the great pictures. I love the dress Justine is wearing from johanna Dinaro, amazing! :)
    xo
    Sauniya | Find Your Bliss ♡

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad I was able to take you along and share 💗. Isn't it a stunning dress?

      Delete
  43. This sounds like such an amazing experience and you look stunning in your front row seat :) I had the chance to go to the Berlin Fashion Week before and can't wait to go back soon.
    Love from Berlin,
    Charlotte Luisa | bycharlotteluisa.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Charlotte, it really was! That must have been such an amazing time! I love seeing recaps of when other bloggers attend fashion weeks around the world!

      Delete
  44. Loved the post, beautiful pictures!! Thanks for sharing :)
    xx
    Mónica Sors
    MES VOYAGES À PARIS
    NEW POST: LINGERIE ROMPER IN MALIBU, CA
    DON'T MISS: KNIT DRESS - BACK IN LA

    ReplyDelete
  45. There is something so magic about it isnt there when you're a fashion fan. It's like art that comes alive down the runway. I can only imagine what the Paris shows must be like!
    x
    Priya | www.solasulu.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is exactly that, magical! Oh i know! I would love to see Paris FW one day 💗

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  46. What an awesome experience... I love the long western dresses :)
    XOXO
    http://indiarush.com/western-dresses-for-women/

    ReplyDelete
  47. What a lovely event! I've lived in Vancouver for so long and have always wanted to go... maybe I can try to get in next year! Thanks for the interesting post! :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Fashion runway is always inspired me therefore I never miss it.

    Footwear fashion

    ReplyDelete

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