NYFW Fall 2012

Keep your eyes peeled in front of the Lincoln Center during NYFW! You can be sure to spot a celeb or two ;)

It is officially NYFW. For those of you who might not be as fashionably savvy as others, "NYFW" stands for "New York Fashion Week" and it is one of the busiest weeks of the year for the fashion industry. Every aspiring designer would die to have their clothing shown in one (or all) of the four major fashion hubs of the world: New York, London, Milan, or Paris.

I have had the amazing opportunity to witness the process of preparing for the show unfold while interning for the artist also known as Nicole Miller. Let me just say, it definitely is as crazy, fast-paced, and high stressed as you might have heard. Monday through Wednesday of last week I spent all day with the design team and Nicole herself - guest appearances by Joe Zee (creative director of ELLE Magazine and stylist). I was called in to help with model casting and preparing outfits that would be appearing in the show. I literally spent 8 hours standing 2 out of 3 of the days with very little down time. But I'm not complaining.

It was a learning experience that I'll never forget, and I'm so happy I get to say I helped! By the time Friday rolled around (the day of our show), Nicole and her team had undoubtedly spent many long nights preparing last minute garments and drinking ungodly amounts of caffeinated soda. Yet, as I'm sure this happens ever Fashion Week she's had since she first started almost 30 years ago (!!), the hard work obviously paid off.

[Check out the NM blog to get more behind the "seam" details and pics!]

Since I had experience working with the models in the days leading up to the show, I got to help backstage while the show was happening. Volunteers were assigned to certain models, making sure they were wearing the correct outfits, etc. I can't even believe how fast it went! The moment the model reappeared behind stage after walking in her first look, we frantically dressed her in her second outfit and got her back in line. So much preparation for a final product of about 10 minutes! If you blinked, you missed it.

After the show, VIPs were allowed backstage to speak with Nicole and to enjoy some champagne. High-profile bloggers, socialites, and celebs like Tinsley Mortimer and Mia Moretti were invited to the meet-and-greet. And just like that it was over.

The adorable model I prepped!

Backstage - all models lined up

My fabulous boss, surrounded by press, friends, and fans

This shirt looks oddly familiar...

[see "Random." blog post for reason why I will never wash this shirt...]

To some it may seem as though so much work went into such a small event, but it was not small by any means to the people working it. When all the models were back from the finale, there was a sigh of relief and a definite sense of pride exuding from every person in the room. What an absolutely fantastic experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I really hope I get that chance!

xo