Behind the glitz and glamour that accompanies fashion week, its true value lies in admiring and appreciating new, innovative styles that are no less than art. The best part being that this art is wearable and functional at the same time
It is the runway that gives us an introduction to new collections from fan-favourite brands and the latest from emerging designers, and the people who attend the runway shows, in AiSPi founder Aisha Saraf Kothari’s words, “always attend with a purpose.”
Everyone You Will See At Fashion Week
Whether it’s to be seen with the crème de la crème of the industry or to get exclusive glimpses into what’s next in fashion, there are a lot of different types of people who will see at any fashion week. Aisha gives us an insight, “there are three types of people you’ll always spot in London, Paris, or Milan.”
“You have the highest spending clientele who are there to preview the collection, place orders, and spend money on the spot,” she explains.
“The influencers and celebrities are next, and their job is to provide context and market the products. Additionally, they provide an idea of how someone would look wearing the pieces in real life.” This small act brings these runway-ready garments into a wearable space for consumers.
“And finally come in the buyers, editors, stylists, journalists, and others who are part of the fashion industry. These are people with a strong business base. Not only do they give credibility to the brand, but they also are the reason why these products are available globally. They become the link between the glamorous design and thoughtful consumption,” says Aisha.
Fashion Week: The Different Perspectives
While the top clientele takes on a quiet, purchase-led approach and focuses purely on the show, the influencers and celebrities present are there to inspire people worldwide. We think it is safe to say all our breaths were taken away when American singer and songwriter Halsey stepped out in signature Paco Rabanne paillettes. Her YSL hood and silver teardrops matched her dress and paid homage to the late designer by using his famous sequined fabric.
Halsey
Ella Emhoff
Ella Emhoff truly knocked it out of the park by pulling off a rather hit or miss trend: skirt trousers. Blame her silver sneakers or her jacket or even the turquoise coil earring, the outfit made a statement during Paris Fashion Week.
Karlie Kloss – American Fashion model
Alexa Chung – Internet personality, Fashion writer and designer
But what about those who work tirelessly behind the scenes at fashion week to make the show a reality? Those who report each and every happening of the event, putting together trends and giving the rest of the world an exclusive insight into what’s next in fashion? It’s the journalists, stylists, editors, brand managers, and designers who truly bring all things fashion to us.
Their ability to tell stories and show us the meaning behind each collection means that they create long-lasting records of iconic fashion moments. Their immense knowledge of the subject and the instinct to predict trends, get the inside story, and make it matter is what sets them apart.
When questioned about the differences in the way stylists, editors, and everyone behind the scenes dress compared to influencers and celebrities, Aisha says, “The influencers and celebrities have to be as glamorous, flamboyant, and noticeable as they have to make a statement.”
“On the contrary, you have stylists, editors, and buyers who are focused on their work, crunching numbers, and paying attention to every little detail. Their attire serves a distinct purpose. They find themselves at a public event filled with inspiration and glamour, but they keep in mind intense practicality, while at the same time expressing themselves as they’re madly passionate about fashion.”
Just take a look at Christine Centenera, the fashion director for Vogue Australia sporting a skirt-suit look. She gave a fun twist to the classic pantsuit by pairing a long blazer with a one-pleat skirt, and completed the look with a black bralette. The long black boots added functionality, while the classic black shades brought the sleek look together.
And we can’t talk about fashion week without mentioning the ever-stylish British Vogue Editor-In-Chief, Anna Wintour. Her ’fit for London Fashion Week balanced function and style perfectly. She paired a floral printed black dress with a bright yellow trench. The style guru elevated the outfit by opting for neutral snakeskin boots. She was the epitome of all-things chic, elegant, and practical.
Aisha explains the reason stylists, journalists, editors, and other industry professionals choose to keep it stylish yet practical.
“They dress in an extremely fashion-forward ensemble which is at the same time very comfortable, understated, and chic. So it’s the small details that make the difference.”
“Given the multiple appointments and interviews they have at many different fashion houses, they prioritise practicality in all their outfits.”
“You will notice a lot of fancy sneakers and comfortable flats. Since they are in fashion week, they have to have fun with their outfits; they are there to inspire. They carry around jumpsuits and fashionable coats, comfortable pants but in statement colours. You also notice a lot of black because it keeps you very chic,” says Aisha.
US Vogue’s Global Network Lead and Editor – Chioma Nnadi
Vogue France’s Head of Editorial Content – Eugénie Trochu
Aisha’s Favourite Fashion Week Look
As AiSPi is known for their cutting-edge curation, AiSPi and with it Aisha are always on the go. She travels all around the world looking for the next big thing during fashion weeks, exploring new designers, and meeting her favourites. Taking a page out of her own journal, Aisha shares her favourite fashion week fit.
“My all-time favourite look was very unlikely; it wasn’t in a statement colour even though I have been known to play with it quite often. It was a beige dress by Esthé, one of our AiSPi brands, tied up with a neoprene vest which I bought off a market in Brussels and these knee-high white boots. The colourful add-on was my Mlouye Naomi wallet. It was a very fun and cool outfit.”
Written by Kirthi Anand, Interviewing Aisha Saraf Kothari
All images are courtesy of the respective social media handles of people mentioned.
For more Fashion Week content keep a look out on AiSPi’s Journal Page. Looking to grow your knowledge in Fashion? follow AiSPi’s Instagram.