Travel & Hotspots

THE 7 GOLDEN TIPS FOR FASHION WEEK VIRGINS

Shall I just confess it right away? It's my first foreign Fashion Week. Yes, yes, I have of course been invited as a journalist to shows abroad before, but really three days in Paris to report all the fun for you (like Elke did backstage here today)? That's new territory for me. In the coming days, we (I am with my sister in crime Malou) will bombard you with all kinds of fashionable antics, making sure you want to be in the thick of the fashion fire during the fashion weeks next season, believe me.

And that's why, some tips (a.k.a. the Fashion Week virgin survival kit) for beginners.

1. Prepare for chaos

Photographers, celebrities, journalists, onlookers, security, fans; everyone wants to be in that half hour at that spot. Going inside? No way, eighty percent doesn't even do that. The spectacle takes place outside. By being on time, having a good preparation, or just being very bold, you can secure a prime spot. Or witness Circus Renz from a distance on a bench. Also particularly entertaining.

2. Bring. Band-aids.

Because hell yeah, there will be a lot of walking. And not just a little. And we do that of course in high heels and in style. The metro will become your new best friend, but you'll also have to rely on your own legs. And because prevention is better than cure: stick two blister plasters on your heels in advance. Or bring a flat shoe to switch to halfway through the day.

3. Know where the shows are

Now some labels are super interesting (just look at Burberry, which only revealed the location on the day itself in London), but most shows take place at fixed locations. Think of Chanel and the loyal Grand Palais-combination. A few days before you go, put all the show addresses in Google Maps and hey, life suddenly becomes incredibly easy.

4. An external charger is not a bad idea

A bit unfortunate that I only just realized this with a phone that is at 27 percent after a mini flight (what is it with those iPhones when they travel?). So that external battery is coming along. Maybe even two. And if you spot Anna Wintour in the wild, you can post the pic on Insta without battery stress.

Parisian women are effortless chic and less is absolutely more.

5. Dress to impress

Do you want to blend in with the locals in Paris? Then especially eh, don't stand out too much. Parisian women are effortless chic and less is absolutely more. Do you think: come on, let's be crazy, I want to be captured by those street style photographers… In that case: more is more.

6. Magazine tip

For when you end up on the grounds of a show: it looks pretty cool to have a magazine in your hands. People immediately think you're a reporter for a cool magazine and magazines are so the new handbags. Even cooler: a large pink Amayzine microphone of course, but hey, I'll forgive you if you don't have that at home.

7. And finally: the ‘survive in Paris’ clothing kit

I get it: stress. Tip: always bring a crisp white blouse. It looks great in Paris, also with a scarf around the neck by the way. Additionally: the leather jacket. Then a cool pair of sunglasses, a designer crossbody bag around your neck and you're all set. Paris is so easy!