How I Went to Fashion Week Without Being “In the Industry”
I’ve loved fashion since I was little, but for most of my 20’s, I let that passion slip away. I felt overwhelmed and uninspired by my personal style, and frustrated with my body image. Then one day in 2024, I had a moment:
Wait wtf - why did I stop being interested in fashion? What’s actually stopping me?
Nothing. I have free will. I can do whatever I want.
I decided I wanted to go to Copenhagen Fashion Week.
So I did.
You don’t need to be “in the industry” to attend high-end fashion events.
Fashion weeks originally started as a way for buyers to preview next season’s collections and decide what to stock in their stores. But over time, these events have evolved into dynamic, multi-industry networking experiences. While the main focus of runway shows is still to showcase brands, trends, and innovation, there are now countless presentations, pop-ups, panels, and afterparties that offer opportunities for creators, entrepreneurs, stylists, students, and anyone passionate about fashion to get involved.
How I Got Invited
I asked myself: What value can I offer brands if I’m requesting an invite?
Although you can go and not be “in the industry”, you still need to provide value for the brand. I am a content creator, I am passionate about brand discovery and fashion, and I knew I could offer brand visibility on my social media platforms.
I spent time on Google, Reddit, YouTube, TikTok, and ChatGPT looking for advice on how to go to Fashion Week. A lot of Fashion Week websites actually list the contact details for shows and events, so it’s not as mysterious as it may seem. Sometimes you may have to do a little digging on Apollo.io or LinkedIn or ChatGPT depending on the city, but it doesn’t take too long.
Then craft your email with your pitch on how you can benefit the brand by attending and wait for the responses!
Set Realistic Expectations
If it’s your first time, don’t expect to be front row at the Dior show. You might get invited to smaller presentations, pop-up events, or cocktail hours—and that’s still a win! Any invitation is a foot in the door. You’ll meet interesting people, see beautiful clothing up close, and get to experience the energy of a city buzzing with creativity.
Build Relationships with PR Teams
You’ll notice that most Fashion Week invites come from PR reps. Some brands handle PR in-house, while others hire agencies to manage their guest lists. Either way, PR professionals are your key to getting into future events. Be polite, professional, and respectful of their time. Even if you don’t land an invite right away, building genuine relationships will pay off in the long run.
After the Event: Follow Up
Once you’ve attended an event, follow up! Send a thank-you email to your contact with a few photos or videos you captured and express your appreciation. Not only is it polite, but it also keeps the door open for future opportunities. PR teams are bombarded with requests every season, so showing gratitude and professionalism makes you stand out.
Final Thoughts
When you show up, don’t feel like an imposter. You’re allowed to be there. People are just people and as long as you are confident, polite, and curious about learning about each brand, you’re doing great! The world of fashion should be inclusive, not intimidating. So show up with confidence, soak in the experience, and start building momentum for the next one.
Good luck, and maybe I’ll see you at an upcoming Fashion Week!
