New York Fashion Week is no cake catwalk.
Between the frigid weather, massive crowds and back-to-back shows at what seems like the opposite ends of the city, just one day can be pretty hectic.
How do industry insiders go about it? We asked NYFW vet and newly appointed Racked editor-in-chief, Britt Aboutaleb, to share the play-by-play action. Who better to share their fashion week experience than a local with a finger consistently on the pulse of all things fashion, beauty and entertainment?
Currently: Drinking a cortado with a publicist.
Where: El Rey.
Last Meal: Sweetgreen's Rad Thai—sub avocado for shrimp—for dinner.
Hunger Status: 7, because anything higher feels dramatic, but I'm drinking super-strong coffee, and El Rey doesn't start serving food until 11.
Mood Music: Drake, "Best I Ever Had"
Spotted: It's too cold to see anything.
Currently: Dodging butterflies.
Where: At the Brother Vellies presentation in Manhattan's West Village.
Last Meal: A Honeycrisp apple.
Hunger Status: 5
Mood Music: Mariah Carey, "Butterfly"
Spotted: Did I mention there are real butterflies flying around this presentation? Rosario Dawson is here, too.
2:45 p.m.
Currently: Thinking I want to order banana pudding, but knowing that a cookie is significantly easier to eat on the go.
Where: Magnolia Bakery
Last Meal: The aforementioned apple, and I'm here to right that wrong.
Hunger Status: Like 8…things are getting bad.
Mood Music: "Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar"
Spotted: The tourists behind me are talking about how Sex and the City made this bakery the most important bakery in all of New York. That 15-second scene has stretched into almost 15 years of success.
Currently: Trying to stay warm.
Where: At the Rhie presentation at Industria Studios.
Last Meal: A sugar cookie!
Hunger Status: 5—the cookie was far from a meal, but I'm OK.
Mood Music: The Weeknd, "Can't Feel My Face"
Spotted: The models have sequins on their eyelids, à la Givenchy S/S 2012. I'm a sucker for all things glitter.
Currently: Making my way through what looks like a Four Pins convention to find my seat for Yeezy Season 3.
Where: Madison Square Garden
Last Meal: That same sugar cookie.
Hunger Status: 7, this is very unusual.
Mood Music: Hamilton, "The Room Where It Happens"
Spotted: Naomi Campbell!!! Honestly I see so many interesting things, from the out-of-place bros in shirts and ties to the girls in crop tops—have I mentioned it's freezing?—to Kim's white hair, but Naomi is everything.
Where: Upstairs at the Bowery Hotel, watching Katie Ermilio's fall presentation.
Last Meal: Olives, bread, an arugula salad, pappardelle with short ribs.
Hunger Status: A very comfortable 1.
Mood Music: The Virgins, "Rich Girls"
Spotted: Velvet is back! From the shoes to the gowns, Ermilio's looks are triggering memories of my 8th grade winter dance—in the best way.
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