New York Fashion Week ends today. London Fashion Week is coming up, as is SA Fashion Week. Those attending may need the advice of regulars on how to avoid a front row faux pas.
NEW York Fashion Week, which ends today, had the industry’s top editors and buyers brushing shoulders with A-listers at the hottest catwalk shows. But it seems some front row faces are so desperate to share the experience with their friends and Twitter followers, they are forgetting their manners.
According to fashion week regular Olivia Palermo, e-mailing from your smartphone instead of concentrating on the show is a major no-no.
Speaking at the Noon by Noor show, she told The New York Post’s Page Six: “I think it’s important to hold yourself in the best possible way you can and be polite and watch the show and not be on your phone.
“I think that’s the most important. Obviously, it’s okay to take a picture, but not to be sitting there on e-mail.”
And Palermo’s not the only one. For many fashion week regulars, staring at one’s phone is a major fashion week faux pas.
iPads as cameras are also major irritants as they obscure the runway for others, while large “It” bags, however cool, can be a major hazard if placed in a pathway.
Leah Chernikoff, executive editor at fashionista.com said: “Definitely don’t take runway pictures with your iPad – you’re blocking everyone’s view.”
Shoving your way through the crowds at the end is also unnecessary.
“Don’t push,” Chernikoff says. “We’re all trying to leave. No need to elbow anyone in the ribs.”
My-wardrobe.com’s buying director, Luisa De Paula, adds that large hats can be an issue too – especially this season as they are so trendy.
“Avoid oversized fascinators and hats that act as a complete vision blocker for all behind you.
“Keep bags on your lap or behind your feet as people will only fall over them. If you are in the front row you will only get told to move them.”
Fashion and celebrity public relations, marketing and events specialist Shana Scala, who regularly organises catwalk shows, warned that being over-chatty could also be a major turn-off.
“It’s always nice to politely turn to your friend and compliment the designer, but a well-known socialite recently told me it was tough to concentrate on the show because the reality star next to her wouldn’t stop talking to her,” she said.
“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind next time I seat the chatty lady.”
Paris Hilton was a lesson in how not to behave in the front row, Scala said.
“Definitely don’t sit there bored with your head down and on the phone,” Scala said.
“I shall never forget being an intern, dying to be sitting in the front row, and watching Paris Hilton stare off into space and down at her pink crystal-encrusted BlackBerry.
“I don’t think she looked at the clothes once – totally disrespectful to the designer who invited her and everyone who worked on the show.”
While the focus may be on what the models are wearing, it is important to dress the part too, says fashion editor Eloise Parker.
“It’s a see-and-be-seen scene, so a fashion forward look is essential on the front row,” she says.
“If you wouldn’t wear flip flops to the office, you definitely shouldn’t wear them to a show.”
Fans of thigh-skimming hemlines should heed the advice of my-wardrobe.com’s De Paula, who warns: “Don’t wear anything too short if you are sitting in the [front row], for obvious reasons!” – Daily Mail