How Do Bloggers Get Invited To NYFW

For years I’ve been following my favorite influencers on social media and always wondered how  bloggers get invited to NYFW?  More importantly, how do I get invited to NYFW? Many of the major bloggers have massive followings in the millions and have professional photographers and it’s their full time job -none of which apply to me.  Last year,  I began researching and stumbled upon a few tips that sounded doable for a “microinfluencer” (a smaller blogger) like myself.  This season I have received about 15 invitations to legit fashion shows.

It took a lot of time, research and persistence.  Here’s what worked for me…

Branding.

The first thing you should be concerned with his branding. Your blog and social channels should all have the same feel, logo, and tone.  I invested about $40 to purchase a professional blog layout and design and it was well worth it.  Sure, there are tons of free customizable ones (and I went that route for 5 years!).  I used to design my own header, blog buttons etc, but there is something so streamlined about a pre-made.  Mine even came with 9 custom header images.  There are tons of them on Etsy!  Once you have your blog looking the way you want it, try to get the same look on your social channels.  My twitter header is my blog header as well.  All of my profile pictures are the same.  The key is to keep it all cohesive.

Blog about style.

This one seems obvious, but has to be pointed out.  I used to think that I couldn’t blog about style because I couldn’t afford to buy the YSL pumps or the new Chloe bag I was coveting.  That doesn’t mean I can’t post photos and/or write about these items!  Many people don’t look to blogs to see the blogger per se wearing trending items, but many look to bloggers for inspiration.  I’ve learned that I can curate images to share with my readers making it just as impactful and relevant.

Network.

These invitations sure as hell did not land in my lap on their own.  I did a TON of digging on the web and Instagram to find events near me that are in the beauty and fashion industry.   I’ve met so many people and made some great contacts in a natural way (rather than from behind my computer screen).  Having actual conversations -in real life (!) with people goes a very long way especially in today’s society.  9/10 times, you’ll end up being invited to another event in the industry.

If you live in a rural town and these events are not happening within your area, social media is the next best thing.  LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter have been HUGE for me.  LinkedIn allows you to search and connect with the right people.  Live for luxury beauty?  Start searching Chanel Beauty PR for example and you’ll narrow down your hunt to only people that work for that company or field.

GPS.

Get approved on the GPS Radar App (it’s free).  Specifically geared toward the beauty and fashion industry, once you’re approved, you will start getting lists of shows (all over the world).  You can then request an invitation to the shows you’d like to attend.  You don’t always get the invite, but your name and contact info is now in the designer’s database (making you more likely to get invited in the future).  Your chances of being approved are better if you have a blog or social platform that has good branding (see above) and/or a decent following.

Contact.

Find out the NYFW show schedule and search for the correct contact info.  Find the PR contact for each designer.  Some fashion houses have their own PR (Public Relations) team and many other outsource to a PR firm.  Some people recommend applying for NYFW press registration but very few get accepted (and it’s $100 just to apply).  Even if you’re accepted, it doesn’t guarantee you get to go to whatever show you’d like.  Save your cash and find the correct contacts.  The general email on a fashion designer’s website (info@…  or  hello@…) usually gets ignored.  When you figure out who is in charge of the guest list/seating,  email them and keep it short. Tell them your name, your blog, some standout stats and that you will be in town and would like to attend the show.

Follow up.

The last important piece of advice I have is to follow up. You may not get any bites.  Follow up with all of the emails you sent.  You never know who may have skipped the email or never opened it the first time!  Plus, as the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the oil!