NYFW WITH NFC
WORDS BY NFC STUDENT, RUBY MACKENZIE
It’s been almost two months since I left for New York with National Fashion College. And for the past two months I have been dreaming about going back. The Big Apple, where dreams are made of. Where each day felt like living a different life and I suppose, each day I was.
AT THE AIRPORT
I had been mentally preparing for New York ever since I signed up for the course a year ago, and when the day came where I stood in the airport, preparing to board my flight to New York, it still didn’t feel real. I spent most of the 18 hour plane ride dreaming of who I would be in the city I had always dreamed of seeing. Airport security, baggage claim and a coach ride later, I was there, standing at the foot of the James Nomad, New York.
I spent the first few days settling in, trying out the local pizza places nearby and exploring the city on the way to exclusive meet and greets and tours with some of Fashion’s biggest names. Making my way everywhere from Uptown to the Bronx, I got to see all the colours of life that New York had to offer. I saw inside Alexander Wang’s head office in Lower Manhattan, getting to meet Alexander himself, toured Ferragamo’s New York flagship store on Fifth Avenue with the brand’s Head Stylist and gained insight into Place Showroom in the Garment District’s unique history and qualities. Each adventure offered a peek into the lives and work of fashion’s best to offer and simultaneously, gave me the opportunity to explore the city.
TIMES SQUARE WITH SIENNA
After being introduced to the city, its fashion pioneers and the labyrinth that is the subway, I was thrown into the deep end. New York Fashion Week. With multiple shows lined up each day, a range of responsibilities behind the curtain and on the frontlines, I barely had time to gawk at all the celebrities parading across the red carpet. The buzz of New York Fashion Week was enough for me, I didn’t need my morning coffee.
Each moment a flush of invigoration and inspiration. From lights like spotlights reflecting off of unbelievable, picture-perfect gowns and suits. Steamers emit a mist that clouds the room in mystique and wonder. Excited expressions frame the faces of the other dressers, upon seeing model cards plastered with photos of prestigious models, adorned by an iconic smize.
Dressing Irina Shayk for Carolina Herrera is an experience I will never forget. In ten years, even 20 years time, I know I will look back on my time as an up-and-coming fashion student who got to dress The Irina Shayk at New York Fashion Week.
A MODEL WALKS THE LIBERTINE SHOW
A week of anticipation and long days at New York Fashion Week was followed by some iconic New York exclusives and some more meet and greets. To finish up the Fashion Week experience, we met with Fern Mallis, the founder of New York Fashion Week. Regaling us with stories of technical difficulties, miscommunication, and perseverance to put on a show, she was truly an inspiration. She also spoke of the organisation’s origins and changes over time with technology and individual brand needs. Paradis Agency with founder Jovita Lee marked our last meet and greet on the itinerary. Going out with a bang, Jovita inspired us with insight into her career, its transformation and her successes and hardships.
Given the last few days to ourselves, I set out to do every touristy activity I could think of. Kicking off the New York tourist experience, I wanted to try every American food I could think of; Wendy’s, Shake Shack, Popeyes, Chipotle and my favourite, Chick Fil ‘A. I spent the rest of my time taking in all of New York’s iconic landmarks; Times Square, The Statue of Liberty, Central Park.
New York is the one place I've always dreamed of going, and it couldn’t have been more memorable. Thank you to NFC for such an incredible experience that I’ll never, ever forget.
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