Paris Fashion Week - Not A Model Travel Diaries

When booking the Paris part of our trip, I realized that we were going to be in town for Fashion Week! I was beyond excited even though I knew the chances of actually getting into a show were slim.

The interesting thing about Paris Fashion Week is that it is very easy to track down the schedule. They post the designer and venue location online so anyone can show up at the shows. Nisha and I thought it would be fun to check it out, so we headed to the Palais de Tokyo for the Barbara Bui show.

The place was packed with photographers, journalists, editors, models, bodyguards and important clipboard wielding PR people. I stood and watched as probably the most fashionable people I've ever seen walked by with their elusive black card invitations into the show. Editors wearing high heels as thin as a piece of raw linguine stomped past and I felt a tinge of jealousy. I would love to be invited to a show, not only as a guest but as a writer.

While waiting, I spotted Scott Schuman, aka the Sartorialist from afar. It's funny that I wrote in my pre-travel post that I hoped to see him. Anyways, I tried to go up and say hello, but by the time I got through the crowd he vanished. I told Nisha it was probably for the best as I would have been quite embarrassed if I introduced myself and he never asked to take my photo.

I also saw the infamous Grace Coddington. If you've ever watched The September Issue, you'll know she is the brains behind Vogue. Her trademark red hair was impossible to miss. While I hate snapping photos like a terrible paparazzi, I managed to get a decent one but still would rather not post. So we waited with a crowd of stylish people that looked as if they stepped straight off the runway, but they only let a few extra people in.

Even though we didn't make it in, it was still quite the experience. While we had the location of the next show, I told Nisha to forget it. I decided that I'd rather spend the day doing more sightseeing than waiting around. One day, maybe I'll waltz in with my black invitation in 5 inch heels with my bright Smythson notebook, but for now I wanted to soak up some Paris sunshine and buy another buttery baguette.

 

 

Up next: Portobello Market

Fashion Ingénue

At the ripe age of 22, I had just made the cut off to attend Teen Vogue Fashion U. One of the things I noticed from my weekend, was how many self-assured and driven young women were there. I don't remember having that much self-confidence when I was in highschool.

I met 17 year old aspiring fashion designer Mariah Serrano at the Maybelline seminar. As we made our introductions, I noticed her large portfolio filled with sketches. She's from Long Island, New York so I asked if she'd like to be featured on Not A Model. 

Check out her interview and designs below. Who knows you may be wearing her clothes and seeing her name on your labels in the future.

Q: How or when did you get interested in fashion and design? 

M: "When I was little I used to watch movies at my grandmother's like My Fair Lady and Gone with the Wind. The costumes would mesmerize me. She was in fashion when she was young so she would help me make outfits for my barbies that looked like ones in the films." 

Q: Who is your favourite designer?

M: "Alexander McQueen, no, Galliano, no McQueen! Definitely McQueen. We have the same birthday. He just amazes me. Everything is so ugly-beautiful which in my opinion is the most beauteous beauty. He once designed legs for an amputee model Aimee Mullins and then he had her model in one of his shows. I'm an amputee so something like that really captures my heart."

Q: What influences your designs?

M: "Everything! Other designers, books, time periods, movies, girls I see on the street, nature. My favourite concept I've ever done was Alice in Space. It was a futuristic spin off of Alice in Wonderland. It was very fun to do."

Q: Where do you hope to see yourself in 5 years?
 
M: "Maybe working in theatrical costume design, maybe starting my own line of clothing. Either way I'll be doing something in design. I don't see myself anywhere else." 

 

  

  

  

Check out Mariah's blog at: missfashionfin.xanga.com

4 WORDS PEOPLE: TEEN VOGUE FASHION UNIVERSITY

Cliché: I love New York. Reality: Who Doesn’t?

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending Teen Vogue Fashion University in Manhattan. It was a whirlwind three day event where I got to attend fashion and beauty seminars held by the top designers, stylists, marketing and PR professionals in the industry.

Friday night was the kick-off event at the Juicy Couture store at 650 5th Avenue at 52nd Street. The store is designed like a giant spoiled princess’ bedroom. There are crystal chandeliers, pink writing on the walls and bunches of pearls strewn on mantelpieces. Eye candy came in the form of cute waiters serving pink frosted cupcakes and mini bags of popcorn. I brought my sister as my plus one and we indulged, like princesses should.

 

 

 

On Saturday, my seminars were held at the Condé Nast Publications headquarters. As I went up the elevator, I watched as the light hit each level, highlighting the prestigious and famous other magazines such as: Vanity Fair, Vogue and GQ.

My first seminar was with Eric Daman, head stylist for Gossip Girl. He is a colourful, bright person who told us about his journey to becoming a stylist (no fashion school necessary) and how he creates the persona for each character, including the ubitiquous Chuck Bass. His most memorable quote, “We look to celebrities way too much- behind every one is a stylist, a chef, a hairstylist.”

My second seminar was with Frances Pennington, the VP of Global Marketing for Juicy Couture. She explained how the founders of Juicy were just two best friends who started the business with only $200 each! They wanted to design clothes for petite girls that were comfortable and it turned into a goldmine. Whoever dreams of living the life with your best, this was definitely for you.

My third seminar was with Serena Giovi, Vice President of Marketing for Maybelline New York, and Eva Chen, beauty director for Teen Vogue. They talked about the different sides of the beauty industry from business to magazines. I received a free vibrating mascara that I will definitely blog about!

My last seminar was with LaRok. Three pretty, young smart girls delved into their experiences in public relations, sales and the showroom of a major fashion brand. We then did our own DYI on old merchandise, and got to choose our own piece. Mines coming in the mail soon!

After the seminars we headed to the Hudson Theatre where THE Diane von Furstenberg was the keynote speaker. Special thanks to Daniela for holding me a prime time seat! Saturday night was an H&M event and Sunday was sadly graduation.

We watched an exclusive screening of The September Issue, the documentary look into world of Vogue and its empress Miss. Anna Wintour. I saw some similarities to The Devil Wears Prada, except no one at the real Vogue looks as glamourous as the movie. Anna Wintour is an extremely interesting entity to examine. Her mannerisms, frail body and quick snap judgments reveal her iconic status. Oh and that bob. Producer Sadia Shepard sat down after for a Q&A on her experience filming the movie.

All in all, I was terribly sad to leave New York but I had a nice free swag bag to show for it. I will be back one day, perhaps to start my own career in the city. My story is just starting.