Things we’ve learned in New York so far

It’s Sunday afternoon as I write this and we’re half way through our second day of NYFW. Not even half way through our stay. But, now already full of newly learned life- and model lessons to share with you. Here they come.

cheeky people own half the world.

I’m more the cowardly type that keeps to the rules, even if that means that I miss out on some unique opportunities. I know someone who walks with a steely face into any show, while my knees start shaking at the mere thought of them. The same goes for taking photos, I often feel like an irritating tourist, but man oh man I so wanted to tap people on the shoulder for a photo on Friday, at the Carine Roitfeld party. May-Britt is not much braver than me when it comes to photos, until this morning. While backstage at the Victoria Beckham show, tadadadadada David Beckham appeared. And yes, there it was, the David Beckham-ussie plop in our What’sApp group. A few hours after The Happening, I got an SMS that her knees were still trembling, but still, the photo is taken.

flat hair with a parting is in.

We saw it at Carine’s party and again on models and yet again on many very Hip People On The Street: tightly pulled back hair with a straight parting and a long ponytail. I’m a fan. 

people refuse to dress for the weather.

When we were in New York last February, it was never warmer than -10 and I swear most woman refused to dress for the weather. As in, they happily walked through the metres of snow lying on the street with their bare legs. This time it has never been cooler than 30 degrees and I kid you not, we have seen people with thick woollen jumpers, sweaters and a duo that were covered in a large size Burberry poncho. I ask you!

Smokers are losers.

I’ve always said that I was a party smoker, but that’s not entirely true because I also smoke a cigarette or two (or more) during the day. Simply not possible here. New Yorkers hate smokers (and rightly so), and I feel like a real outcast whenever I light up. I’m craving a cigarette in combination with a glass of wine, but on most terraces you cannot smoke and you cannot drink off the terrace, so a catch twenty-two situation that I just can’t beat. I don’t want to choose, I want to do both, at the same time. Dammit.

Models are aliens.

Not because they’re pretty (also), not because they’re so thin (yes also), but because they never tire. Seems like. For those who think modelling is a little bit of walking on the catwalk followed by a pouty lip for the camera, you haven’t a clue. Modelling is top sport. For example, Maartje Verhoef begins her day at 7am or earlier and is never done until 1am. For a MONTH long. Totally crazy.

Nothing beats new york in the summer.

Seriously, this city is blooming and bubbling, everyone is happy, looks good and the terraces are full, and you feel that famous NEW YOOOOOORK feeling everywhere. The butterflies in the tummy, like you’re in the capital of the world. Are you planning a trip to New York? Snow is fun, but do yourself a favour and go in Summer or Spring. Trust me on this one.