Fashion show Do's and Don'ts

MANILA, Philippines - The unassuming, casual yet somewhat unabridged edition for Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 201.

Philippine Fashion Week is fast approaching and you’ve just received your environmentally conscious e-vite in your e-mail box. Thoughts of outfit choices and who to go with may be the first thought bubbles popping in your head but before we figure out what to wear, here is a guide to figuring out how exactly you should go about your fashion week. Take it as a guide to help enjoy yourself, act natural amidst a stylishly dressed audience and be comfortable in what you’re wearing. Here they are, in convenient Do’s and Don’ts.

Do

1. Sit properly when seated at the front row, or any row for that matter. I think it’s common knowledge that there will be a ton of cameras present, so do yourself a favor and remember that modesty is still held in high regard these days. Meaning, it’s never cool to flash your undies no matter how cute you think they are. 

2. Always bring your invite, or in this case e-vite, to avoid hassle and even being denied entry when lining up for the show you want to watch. If they can’t find your name on the list, be sure to have the name and number of the contact person of the agency that invited you.

3. Bring a good camera, just be sure to turn off the flash if you plan to use it come showtime. SLRs are generally tolerated in the audience; just try not to get too into it and block your other seatmates’ view of the runway while you’re trying to get “that perfect shot.” Courtesy goes a long way.

4. Be mindful of the no-smoking policy of SMX. Avoid the embarrassment and inconvenience of being told off by security and kindly ditch your cigarette.

5. Go with good company. I can’t stress this enough, because you’re going to be with them most of the time. You also want to be with people who are appreciative and enthusiastic about this special week. If you are the sometime killjoy, put your gloom and doom on hiatus in the meantime.

6. Arrive early at the venue (SMX), that way you can get your bearings and relax. Also a good way to beat the queues, since the halls fill up quicker than you’d expect. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck outside closed doors all of a sudden when the show’s happening because the hall is “at capacity.” VIP or otherwise doesn’t matter when fire safety says “no entry.”

7. Break out of your comfort zone. If you’re a blogger or you see someone’s style that you admire, work up the courage to ask to take a picture of them. Most of the time people want to be photographed (unless they’re running off to the next show) and they’ll oblige you. Be sure to return the favor, of course. Seize the opportunity as this is the perfect time to take photos when everybody is all decked out.

8. Keep neutral and fair with your comments about other people’s creations. When going to a show, we all have our own expectations on how a collection might look or turn out. Sometimes our predictions are way off or our tastes just don’t jibe with a certain designer’s. No problem. No need to put down a designer’s work. I’ve seen it before, people visibly showing and audibly talking about their dislike for a collection, criticizing loudly, shaking their heads, and sometimes even making faces. It isn’t very cool, and it’s the quickest way to kill the vibe and to drain excitement from a show.

Don’t

1. Stand or step out when a show starts and you’re seated in the front row. Aside from it being distracting for the audience, chances are production is filming the show and I doubt it will look good seeing someone “walk out.”

2. Leave your bags out in the middle of the runway, it does not matter what brand they are.

3. Drink too much. Chances are alcohol will be served generously pre-show, between show, and after. No need to make like a camel and drink like a fish; nobody likes an overly tipsy guest spilling their choice of wine on others.

4. Go out the door feeling iffy about what you’re wearing. Try to first be comfortable with your choice of clothes, even if this may be the time to experiment with other styles. A little foresight can still go a long way.

5. Stand or walk on the runway, unless you’re being paid to. Runways are meant to be clean and spotless until the models walk in the show.

6. Skip meals. Do eat something! You can’t survive or attempt to enjoy the collections if you’re running on empty.

7. Forget to check the invite, since some shows have different dress codes. One would hate to be uncomfortably, or inappropriately, dressed.

8. Take it so seriously. Have fun! Admire, appreciate, connect, and be inspired. Some of the industry’s top brass will be putting their best foot forward this coming fashion week. Enjoy, and see you there!