How to survive Fashion Week

TORONTO - Toronto Fashion Week can take quite a mental and physical toll on those attending five, fashion-filled days full of industry schmoozing, networking and collection gawking over dozens of designers and labels.

Before you swear off wearing 4-inch stilettos forever, we asked our LGFW fashion insiders and experts to share their best fashion week survival tips.

Plan your outfits. In advance, if possible. “No one wants to be rushing like a mad woman before shows,” says Septembre Anderson, a Toronto-based journalist, blogger and fashion enthusiast. When outfit planning for the week, the nail polish and nail art addict says your hands should receive as much attention as the rest of your wardrobe.

Wear flats. Don’t worry, your pumps won’t be that upset if you choose to alternate between them and a lower heel throughout the day. “I only sit for 10 to 15 minutes at a time during the shows. The rest of the time, I'm usually standing,” says fashion stylist Tricia Campbell Hall. 

"If you’re going to slip on a pair of flats, be sure to do this out of view of others,” says Gail McInnes, owner and director of the fashion public relations and event management company Magnet Creative Management.

Show up early. “If you want a front row seat, and you're not an editor or Keshia Chanté, try to make some of the afternoon shows,” says Toronto-based fashion and entertainment critic, Sabrina Maddeaux. “There are always a lot of no-shows, so the PR girls bump people up.”

If you do manage to get a sweet front row spot, make sure your feet are photo ready. “Have your best shoes on because there is a very high chance they will be included in the runway shots,” advises Marcus Kan, founder and editor in chief of the fashion and arts blog called à la mode and a contributor to Dolce and Gabbana's Swide online magazine.

Smile. It sounds simple but when you’re balancing several swag bags in one hand and your cell phone in the other, one can easily forget to show off their pearly whites. “If you're new to the industry and want to meet people, nothing is simpler and more approachable than a smile,” says McInnes. “People will be naturally drawn to you.”

Bring snacks and stay hydrated. “You really need some food to keep your energy up all the time for runway shows,” says Kan. We advise you carry a bottle of water and munch on some light packed snacks between meals. 

Come prepared. “Bring a notebook or camera to help remember looks per designer,” says Hall. We agree. After days of attending several shows, if you lack a photographic memory, designers and their collections can begin to blur. 

Respect seating arrangements. “Every single one of those front row seats are there for a purpose—from key celebrities who help build buzz for a brand and sponsors who have helped cover costs for the show, to media who are there to cover the show,” says McInnes. “Seat stealers are obvious—we know who you are.”

From backstage to the runway, GlobalFashion, the stylish sister of Globalnews.ca, will be covering LGFW all week long with the latest interview from fashion designers, news, photos and videos.