Twice a year for an entire month, the cities of New York, Milan, Paris, and London are turned over to street style photographers, festively clad fashion editors, and Hollywood starlets. These fashion weeks are glamorous spectacles, to say the least. But behind all the glitz lies the hard work and creativity of the sartorial maestros who have worked tirelessly putting their names and reputations on the line to display their idea of how men and women should dress over the next six months.
In the days leading up to the show, way before the lights dim and the parade of glamazons struts down the catwalk, the real theatrics begin. It’s a non-stop marathon: booking models, making last minute alternations, and even changing concepts entirely mere days before the presentation. “I’m worried until I know how everything comes together,” designer Anna Sui, a New York Fashion Week veteran, says. “Physically, I luckily always have a lot of energy. Emotionally, I try to stay strong and focused.”
Most designers concur with Sui’s sentiments. So to help them down the runway, they develop certain rituals, certain good luck charms. Whether it’s a lucky bracelet, a selection of vitamin-rich juices, or the ubiquitous iPhone (many of which are custom designed), these traditions help them survive season after season. Because, no matter how practiced they are, as Sui points out, “it never really gets any easier.”
Lucas Jackson/Reuters
“My mother had a rose-shaped coral ring that I always admired as a child. She ended up giving it to me as an adult. I now wear it on the day of my fashion show. It’s my good luck charm.”
Courtesy Anna Sui
"My boys, for sure...they keep me sane! I'm also obsessed with Tata Harper Skincare. Their reparative moisturizer is everything, especially during the craze of NYFW."
Courtesy Rachel Zoe
“My bight yellow Moleskine. I don't sleep during this month so I forget a lot of things. And nothing is better than manually writing things down when you’re constantly on your mobile phone; it’s exhausting.”
Courtesy Negarin
“Lounging on my carpet and watching movies with my daughter Violet after a long day of work.”
Courtesy Nanette Lepore
"My must-have item for surviving Fashion Week is my iPhone. The camera functions as my notepad all week, as I inevitably end up without a pen and paper handy in every meeting. It's much easier to snap a photo of buyers' business cards and style selection and flip through the images later as I write orders."
Courtesy Lee Savage
“My must-have/essential item for fashion week is my iPhone with a case I designed in collaboration with Limited Edition Korea to celebrate the country’s 70th Independence Day.”
Courtesy Lie Sangbong
“Green juices keep me going through Fashion Week craziness. Sometimes it's hard to find time to eat properly, so green juices and smoothies are a great way to stock up on vitamins and rejuvenate. My studio is in Chelsea, and there are a lot of great juice shops in the neighborhood, but the best juice bar is the one at Hotel Americano. I love their green smoothie with kale, spinach, apple, kiwi and a hint of mint. The best part is that they deliver their entire menu!”
Courtesy Adeam
“Adrenaline is usually enough to get me through fashion week. That, and a very supportive husband.”
Courtesy Hellessy
“I drink juices from Juice Press to survive fashion week!”
Courtesy Phillip Lim
"Since we're a Los Angeles company, our home base in New York is our showroom in the Meatpacking District. It's great to take a walk on the Highline after a long day of fittings to clear your mind. Red wine (not too much), bittersweet chocolate, and a good night's sleep (boring, right?) don't hurt either."
Courtesy Trina Turk
“Taking a SoulCycle spin class is my secret weapon. I get my best ideas walking home from the toughest workouts. Freshly pressed juices help me get through long afternoons of designing, styling, and fitting. My favorite blend consists of kale, carrot, green apple, lemon, beet, and ginger.”
Courtesy Milly
"I make sure to have at least 45 minutes of yoga (while listening to BBC history podcasts) every day during Fashion Week to keep that calm, centered place."
Courtesy Karen Walker
“Sleep!!! Its my one and only thing that gets me through fashion week. I am gifted in that I can sleep anytime. If I don’t get my eight hours a night, I am a wreck.”
Courtesy Todd Snyder
“My bike. Riding it helps me relax and beat the traffic surrounding the tents.”
Courtesy Lela Rose
“My must-have item to survive Fashion Week is my fitness coach. I need to take care of myself during this busy time when stress is high. Sport is the best way to make me feel more in control and less stressed!”
Courtesy Alexandre Vautier
“I cannot live without my Porsche Design Smartphone P'9983; it’s my mini personal assistant and my office away from my office.”
Courtesy Porsche Design
"My headscarf. It makes sure my hair is always perfect!"
Courtesy Tila March
“Flat shoes and a dollar slice.”
Courtesy Sally LaPointe
"A pair of Rupert Sanderson sneakers to get me from A to B!"
Courtesy Rupert Sanderson
“Sugar free Red Bulls for the morning and Starbucks Double Espressos for the afternoon.”
Courtesy of Wes Gordon
“The thing we need to survive fashion week: GT'S Kombucha Maqui Mojito. It's a nice energy boost, full of antioxidants and it's like escaping to the beach without the Hamptons traffic.”
Courtesy of Claire Roudabush
