This week I was in NYC for some work meetings and realized the NY Fashion Week was going on at the same time! Only problem was there was no way I was going to score a last minute ticket to a show (and also I had no clue how to get one), so we partnered with Uber to find some fun ways to enjoy it without a ticket…
How to Enjoy NY Fashion Week Without a Ticket
Show Venues. Many shows are at the Spring Studios venue in Soho. You can pull up a list of show times here (usually one every hour or so during Fashion Week but check the days/times). This is a great spot to check out. Once you get close, just follow the paparazzi and all the impressively well dressed attendees to the entrance. Also it just me, or is everyone insanely tall!?!
There’s such an exciting buzz at the entrance, it really becomes an outdoor catwalk headed up to the doors. You might even catch a few familiar faces walking into a show (OMG Miss J!)
uberPOOL. You might not rub shoulders with Anna Wintour on the runway, but hop in an uberPOOL and you’ve not only got an easy, inexpensive way to get around the city during a cold NY winter, but you never know who you might end up sitting next to and striking up a conversation with. Ubers are my go-to method to get around when I’m traveling (like my trips to Mexico City and Oahu last year). Obviously I do use subways lot in Manhattan too, but sometimes it’s a lot more convenient (and safer at night) to jump in an Uber. Also, it’s a great way to do some on-the-fly people watching and actually see the city when it’s a bit too cold to walk around all afternoon (which is usually my favorite way to take in Manhattan).
Public Events. After realizing it was months late to score a runway show ticket, I did a little research online and realized there are actually a lot of events (some free, some paid) going on during NY Fashion Week. Many are hosted by up and coming designers that are looking for some exposure while all the big players in the industry are in town. If you’re willing to pay for admission, there are a lot of events you can attend last minute. Find info about public events here.
People Watching. When I lived in Manhattan, Soho was one of my favorite spots to wander around for style inspiration. On a warm summer day, there wasn’t anything better! During NY Fashion Week it really becomes a hot spot to check out and play Sartorialist. So, if you’re feeling ready to brave the weather, people watching is my favorite way to enjoy fashion week for us non-ticket holders.
There are a bunch of different ways to catch some serious style inspiration on the streets, here are a few ideas:
Cafes. Many cafes in Soho and the Lower East Side become major hot spots for fashion week attendees. Ones to check out are Cafe Select, La Esquina, Cha Cha Matcha, and Cafe Rey. Stay warm inside for a bite to eat, or grab a tea and a croissant under the heated lights here at Cafe Select.
Steps. On the corner of Crosby and Howard, in front of a Gallery called De Vera there are some black steps wrapping around the building that are a prime spot to hang out and people watch in the heart of Soho. Grab a coffee and get some serious style inspiration walking down the sidewalk. Headed back up towards Cafe Select you’ll hit a few stores that attract a lot of fashionistas like Opening Ceremony and Saturdays NYC-so again, a great area to hang out and people watch.
Boutique hotels. Another great spot to people watch. Check out some hip boutique hotels like the The Beekman, The Standard, NOMO SOHO, The Nomad etc. Many have fantastic cafes and bars to chill out in, like the front patio of the NOMO SOHO, right in the heart of Soho. If it’s nice, check out The Standard’s rooftop bar, Le Bain.
Have you been to NY Fashion Week before? Lucky enough to go to a show?
Thanks to Uber for sponsoring this post and helping make NY Fashion Week a favorite time to visit NYC. Thanks to my friend Corinne for helping with the photography.
Love this post! Great inspiration for the next season for SS19 looks! Since we are talking fashion, we got a chance to check our some cool AW18 looks for kids fashion while in NY earlier this week. Here’s a brief recap: http://bit.ly/2nZjnMC
Loved this post! Liz Where is your belt bag from?
Oh it’s my favorite, from an etsy shop called Awl Snap https://www.etsy.com/listing/561987082/on-sale-fanny-pack-leather-bum-bag-waist?ref=hp_rv
Going to New York would already be exciting enough for me, much less the NYFW! I’d be so excited just seeing the men and women on the streets all dressed up. That alone is inspiring enough! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Totally! Just such a cool vibe and time to be there