New York Fashion Week: 5 street style regulars divulge their survival secrets
Yes, it’s that time of year again—when the streets of New York thrum with tall, willowy models, stylists and fashion editors from around the globe as they begin to traverse the exciting yet oft-grueling terrain known as New York Fashion Week. Known as much for its glamour and as its break-neck pace, we decided to ask some major street style stars—from Nylon’s Preetma Singh to It girl Hannah Bronfman, how they manage to make it through the non-stop week of shows, presentations and never-ending after-parties. Harper’s Bazaar’s Kerry Pieri gives us the lowdown on what staples are stashed in her bag, and ELLE.com’s Danielle Prescod divulges her must try beauty secrets to stay fresh during the slog. Most importantly, 25 Magazine’s Sarah Chavez tells us what not to do for the hoards of photographers outside the shows snapping their every move. Click on for some major fashion week survival tips – after all it’s a concrete jungle out there.
Jump to: PREETMA SINGH | KERRY PIERI | DANIELLE PRESCOD | HANNAH BRONFMAN | SARAH CHAVEZ
Preetma Singh
Fashion market editor, Nylon Magazine
How do you prep the week before New York Fashion Week?
I don’t like having to get up any earlier to get dressed during Fashion Week than I normally do, so that definitely requires planning! I also find it a good time to touch up hair and nails–I get very complacent without having a reason to do them.
What beauty products do you use to keep you looking fresh and awake during NYFW?
I love Elemis Recovery Capsules—they provide a great glow and moisturize all day long. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is also a classic I swear by.
Can you divulge any new style item(s) that will be making its debut during NYFW?
I went a bit crazy at the (premium) outlets in Woodbury, NY, so I HAVE to find a place to wear this crazy suede laced-front mini dress I bought. (It’s actually a remake of the famous Veruschka YSL dress–WHO AM I?)
Do you have any tips for street-style admirers on how to get noticed by photographers?
Now that street style has reached a saturation point, I think the best thing you can do to stand out is to dress like yourself. You don’t have to have the hottest bag of the season or be the trendiest person out there. Start the trends, don’t follow them.
Do you attend the after-parties or do you check out and get some much-needed sleep? I usually rush home to eat a huge meal (and maybe a few Hot Pockets) after shows are over. I’ll pick a time or two to make a night of it though.
What show are you looking forward to the most?
Rodarte is one that is always intriguing–they really try to have novel ideas behind the clothes and I appreciate that. Opening Ceremony always is a fantastical production.
Kerry Pieri
Digital fashion/features director, Harper’s Bazaar
How do you prep the week before New York Fashion Week?
I usually wait to have my hair touched up until right before Fashion Month, the timing always seems to work out. Other than that, I don’t do much other than try to have my closet organized so I’m not searching around in the mornings—working in digital during NYFW means being “on” from the moment you wake up, so there’s no time to waste.
What are some of your must-have items in your bag during NYFW?
I try to have water, a snack like almonds or a healthy bar, a Mophie, a charger, a lipstick and my tickets.
What are your beauty rituals/products that you do or have in your bag to keep you looking fresh and awake during NYFW?
I’m all about a red lip, so I keep M.A.C Russian Red on hand at all times.
Can you divulge any new style item(s) that will be making its debut during NYFW?
I’m a big proponent of the ’70s trend, it’s a time when fashion is answering my existing inclinations. I’m hoping to get my hands on the Gucci nautical trousers.
If you’re totally blanking on what to wear, what’s your go-to outfit?
Jeans, Alaïaboots and a fur.
Do you attend the after-parties or do you check out and get some much needed sleep?
I mostly skip the after-parties unless it’s a really good one and there’s a solid performer. I’ll never miss an Alexander Wang party.
What show are you looking forward to the most?
I love seeing new collections, in New York; my favorites are Altuzarra, Alexander Wang and newcomers like Rosie Assoulin.
Danielle Prescod
Digital fashion editor, Elle Magazine
How do you prep the week before New York Fashion Week?
Truthfully, I am always pretty poorly prepared, specifically for the one in February because it just creeps up on you so fast. I basically don’t look at the schedule until the day before it starts because otherwise, you just get vertigo. It’s better to just react in the moment to whatever is going on and hit the ground running.
What snack is stashed away for food emergencies?
About 10 almonds—not kidding. You have to count or else you will eat your body weight in almonds and a protein bar and an apple.
What beauty products do you use to keep you looking fresh during NYFW?
My younger sister turned me onto eye-makeup brand, Eyeko, and I am a huge fan of their Hydro Gel Patches, which are a lifesaver when it comes to the bags under my eyes. I also always have concealer and a lipstick because a lipstick can change your whole look in about 3 seconds.
Do you plan your outfits ahead of time or are you more spur of the moment?
I am a planner. I like to keep things as prepped as possible but every year, around mid-week, I start straying from the plan. That’s how some days I end up in a sequin hat with a sequin dress.
If you’re totally blanking on what to wear, what’s your go-to outfit?
Go-to outfit is something really colorful or printed and a cool sneaker. Any fashion editor will tell you that any day in a flat, your mood is drastically different than when you’re trying to slug it out in heels.
Do you attend the after-parties or do you check out and get some much-needed sleep?
I cover parties so I have to! But Fashion Week is a nutty time for us so I am often filing things late into the night. It can be a real challenge to balance both.
What street style star are you looking forward to seeing the most?
I love to see what Ramya Giangola and Leaf Greener are wearing, and also my road dogs, Rachael Wang and Preetma Singh.
Hannah Bronfman
DJ/Founder of HBFit.com/Co-Founder of Beautified
How do you prep the week before New York Fashion Week?
Since I won’t be able to sleep between shows and gigs, I get a lot of rest in, drink a ton of water and get a facial by Monica Watters.
What snack is stashed away for food emergencies?
These days, I’m loving The Good Bean, Chia Bars and Dang That’s Good Coconut Chips.
What are your beauty rituals/products that you do or have in your bag to keep you looking fresh and awake during NYFW?
I love Glossier Rose Water Spray and By Terry lip balm for hydration on the go. I also swear that groomed eyebrows pull your entire look together. My go-to is Anastasia of Beverly Hill’s brow duo in dark brown. Also, a mid-week facemask by Epicuren doesn’t hurt.
Do you have any tips for street-style admirers on how to get noticed by photographers?
Don’t be afraid of color!
Do you attend the after-parties or do you check out and get some much needed sleep?
I try to make it to all my friends’ events, but by the end of the week I’m usually toast!
What street-style star or fellow fashion insider are you looking forward to seeing the most?
I always love to see what Aimee Song is wearing and also Shea Marie of Peace Love Shea!
Lastly, since you’re a fitness devotee, do you manage to sneak in a class or two? If so, which ones?
I always make time for S10 training three times a week!
Sarah Chavez
Managing editor, 25 Magazine
What are some of your must-have items in your bag during NYFW?
I’ve kind of stopped carrying a bag so a Mophie charger, Emergen-C, and credit cards are usually all that fit in my pockets
What snack is stashed away for food emergencies?
Juice Press!
What are your beauty rituals/products that you do or have in your bag to keep you looking fresh and awake during NYFW?
I have a facial with Isabelle Bellis and keep my favorite products handy, they’re lifelines: SK-II signs eye masks, Joelle Ciocco Skin Defense, Glossier balm dotcom, rose water spray.
Can you divulge any new style item(s) that will be making its debut during NYFW?
Uniqlo heat tech leggings, which I guess doesn’t count? So, my new Céline shearling.
Do you plan your outfits ahead of time or are you more spur of the moment?
In New York, it’s more spur of the moment…my outfit depends on the weather and my mood
If you’re totally blanking on what to wear, what’s your go-to outfit during NYFW?
Rick Owens
Do you have any tips for street-style admirers on how to get noticed by photographers?
Dress for yourself, not for them…and don’t peacock!
What show are you looking forward to the most?
Marc Jacobs, he always creates a magical set
