IS FASHION WEEK DEAD TO BLOGGERS?
Fashion week felt different this season. Something wasn’t quite the same – I didn’t feel that same spark of excitement that I normally have. Maybe I was just having an off week but I kept getting the impression from other people that they felt the same way. I can’t tell you the amount of times I heard people grumble, ‘I’m so over it’.
So why the sudden disenchantment towards fashion week?
It seemed like people didn’t get the same amount of show tickets as in past seasons. My bundle was noticeably smaller than usual. What made it most confusing was that it didn’t seem to matter whether I’d attended a specific designers show before. You’d think that including a link to past coverage would increase your chances of getting invited back again but it doesn’t seem to work that way. Sadly this means there is little motivation to snap good photos at a show and write a solid report. Why bother if your readers don’t care (catwalk shows get the least positive response from my readers) and neither do the PRs? Or, maybe it was the growing circus of fashion week attendees that was putting people off the whole event? Crazy costumes seemed to be at an all time high this season. But it might just be that we are all just growing up a little bit. After attending London Fashion Week for a hand full of seasons the glamour and glitz has started to wear off. With shows being live streamed there’s arguably no reason that a blogger, or anyone, needs to be at the actual venue. Why bother getting dressed when you can watch it from the comfort of your own sofa? Whatever the reason, there seems to be an undeniable shift in the way bloggers feel about fashion week. Personally, I’ll be applying for less shows and trying to find the new designers that are just getting off the ground. It’s not about the FROW (cringe) or being snapped by Tommy Ton… although, let’s be honest, I wouldn’t turn down either.
Wearing: DAGMAR knit and skirt, Maria Nilsdotter ring and Steve Mono bag exclusively for YMC.
I feel the same way as I said on Twitter, fashion week feels over to me. Although I didn’t notice that there were fewer invitations on offer, but more likely more greedy hands clamoring for them. There are so many new bloggers around and I’ve had PRs tell me they find it really hard to know who’s who and who’s worthwhile inviting to their show. Plus the interns are often put in charge of ticket requests, so I guess they’re pretty clueless…
Now that Style.com is uploading high quality show photos almost instantly (clearly trying to force NowFashion out of existence) there really is little need for blog reports, except for the smaller brands and new designers for whom niche digital coverage could be really beneficial. Obviously I would personally love to go to the shows for the designers I a) know or b) buy their clothes. But the others, I’m just not interested anymore.
P.S. Looking nice and you are still so tanned!
hear, hear!
Why thank you! xx
The speed at which both the runway shots and the reviews appear on style dot com is positively alarming, but I suppose that is another topic altogether…
I agree with you duck about the amount of people asking for tickets. I myself feel like the newest kid on the block, an unneeded addition to the already established crowds of journalists/stylists/bloggers/it girls, and it’s not easier trying to figure out where one fits in when clearly so many people are doing the job you aspire to already (some extremely well, others clearly just for show). The reason I personally find it does make a big difference attending a show as opposed to live streaming or scrolling through runway captures, is because to me a fashion show is just that: a show. A show that captures an onda, something you can’t necessarily perceive from the other side of your screen. Also, you get to witness the crowd’s reaction .. which admittedly is probably not as interesting as it used to be because you are basically just met with a sea of smartphones (best picture ever btw http://www.garancedore.fr/en/2012/09/22/jil-sander-is-back/).
I also agree with you Jen, runway reports are always the least ‘popular’ posts on my blog too, but they are by far the ones that challenge me the most, and that I find the most exciting to write. I guess that is when you realise that you are blogging for yourself and no one else really. I personally feel the more practice I get to voice my own opinion about a show, the better.
And in response to Joanna Gomes, I genuinely believe it should not be about the number of followers. I won’t spell out names but I can think of a few people attending he shows that as you put it were only there ‘for a show-off’ when some of us are genuinely passionate and would stand at the back neck craned to be a part of the special moment where a designer reveals their latest story.
A great debate though, thanks Jen for initiating. To be continued I guess…
Totally agree on the ‘blogging for yourself and no one else’. I really enjoy going to shows. It’s a challenge to get good shots and to put together a review that conveys what you experienced. You get so much more out of attending a show then just seeing what the clothes look like. The whole experience (music, atmosphere, movement) is what gives you something to write about in a review. You have to be there to experience that – it doesn’t come across in photos or even in a video. xx
This year/season I noticed there’s so much more bloggers applying to attend shows and some don’t even have that great of a following. It’s like Michael said, PRs and brands are clearly having difficulty determining which bloggers are worth inviting. I don’t mean to say that other people don’t deserve going to the shows, but if so many people want to go (and honestly, a lot only want it because they want to show off!), maybe PR teams and interns need to be more discerning. I honestly don’t mind not going to a lot of shows and I dont’ consider myself influential at all, but when I do go, I pay full attention to the actual show. The whole FROW ordeal is just ridiculous at times.
I can’t help but feel that the thrill you get from your first fashion show is quite hard to find when you’ve been doing it for as long as you seem to have been doing it. I do hope you keep enjoying fashion week though, even if sometimes the whole spectacle seems to be off-putting.
A lot? Most want it so they can show off…
I agree too. I thought it was just me! A couple of times over the weekend I nearly decided not to go and, being honest, changed my mind mainly to see friends that I only see at fashion week. But amidst all the costume overkill, it was pretty slim pickins for streetstyle. So I’m not sure where that leaves us next season, I can’t imagine sitting at home feeling like I’m missing out but nor can I imagine being over-enthused about going, only to be mocked and interrogated again (no exaggeration) by the people on the desk handing out the passes. It’s sad to feel anything other than thrilled about fashion week though, knowing how amazing it has been and still could be.
I didn’t even bother to pick up a pass this season. Not cool about the mocking and interrogation. Sorry to hear that happened. xx
I feel the frustration of what you’re saying, there is nothing more annoying then when you know your pictures were great the previous season, and its not even followed by the gratitide of even a standing ticket the following year. I had purposefully skipped shows where the ticket was a paper evite as you just know the show is over subcribed and you will be the one left standing in the cold. Plus its a good way to truly see if the PR smiling to your face about how fabulous you are, really means it.
btw do PRS really think amazing full length pictures were achived by standing in the back behind the weirdo wearing the ridiculously tall hat, its a shame that they don’t appreciate how long I had to crouch on the floor at awkward angles to get those shots
But like I say every season the bullsh*$£t is basically everything leading up to when the lights go down, and the show starts, and it’s probably chessy but for me nothing beats holding my camera and the thrill of capturing a great moment, that sums up the show perfectly.
To be honest I tried to go out of my way not to register under my own blog becuase I really wasn’t in the mood for oh you can’t come in this room, no you can’t have this basic LFW bag or makeup appointment you are a blogger after all, like it was a dirty word.
and it all really comes down to what do you get out of it? except for the lucky few who get paid as a job to report the shows If you don’t love it don’t go, or if anythig change it up and strive for different fashion weeks, as others who attend Paris, New York even Copenhagen tell me how the vibe, and experience is so totally different.
The funny thing is I’m kind of over the fashion week even though I’ve never been to one myself. Earlier this year every Sydney bloggers I know were in the fashion week and I was bombarded by so many similar posts it’s not even special anymore! Also for me, fashion week also mean that I need to take a week off my day job – and that really was the reason I didn’t go this year. Whether or not I will go next year I really am not sure. I’ve gotten an invite directly from a designer who I’ve recently become friends with but other than that I’m still not sure! Especially as you said, catwalk posts usually have almost no response! I can understand that bloggers get tired of spending the whole show trying to get the best snaps, losing sleeps to do great write-ups and not even getting any real appreciation for their posts.
Interesting, Jen, interesting… you’ve got me thinking now!
You’re so right, if anything this season put me off completely for all fashion weeks – not just London.
The streetstyle photographers flocking around the same designer-sporting crowd, clown-costume party in another corner, big brands that are arguably spending more money on ‘public’ relations by putting on live stream instead of caring for relationships between press (doesn’t matter if you did a great post/coverage last season, they just don’t care) (one designer used my photo as her facebook profile photo and didn’t even bother crediting/sending a standing ticket), and finally small designers that are just falling into that dark gap of not being featured anywhere – style.com or even blogs.
I was standing outside one particular big show with some great bloggers that I know will do outstanding coverage with writing/photography, and then saw truly random bloggers stream out after the show just because they’re ‘fashion-friendly’ looking.
I’m really over it, and thinking of following Laetitia’s genius idea of staying home and not giving a flying poop. At the blogger pass queue I was asked to show my analytics at which point I had to download the app in my phone, log in, and throw the phone at the dude’s face. Whatever happened to research, I don’t know.
I think I’m not completely over fashion week because I still enjoy going to men’s week (in Paris at least). It isn’t quite so saturated with bloggers and crazies, and there’s no nasty BFC morons to deal with. But as for womenswear…
I didn’t apply for any show invites this season, I ‘wasn’t feeling it’, the atmosphere seemed disconnected in a weird sort of way and couldn’t figure how, what and why…..here’s a few words: THERE WERE TOO MANY CLOWNS THIS SEASON.
When did blogging turned into showing off wich shows your got into and from wich designer you borrowed all your clothes?? What happend to just showing off your own style in your own clothes just to inpire others. Be creative and just enjoy fashion. xo Hanneke
http://www.hannekeverstegen.com
I completely agree, and I (as a blog reader) was really disappointed to see that some of my favourite bloggers weren’t able to do the show reviews that I’ve enjoyed in previous seasons…
I think the pros of blogging (events, potential gifting and shows) have attracted a swarm of new people to the scene, after their part of the pie – frustrating as a lot of us put a hell of a lot of work in to get any where near that point, and those pros aren’t what we are in it for…
From speaking to PR friends, a certain percentage of tickets go to bloggers – so if they can allocate 10% to us, there are far more to choose from now than there were a year ago…
South Molton St Style
agree. fashion week is not exciting like it was a couple years ago. it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be less excited about awesome things happening. but I think we get distracted by people that think they’re really important. it might also have to do with an underlying natural competition we have with each other. my bloggers is better than yours.. my outfit is way more photographed worth that yours. I mean who cares? I like wearing my pajama’s more than wearing an uncomfortable outfit anyways. I like that I can do whatever the heck I want with my blog and I like experimenting with new ideas I have.. that’s the most exciting thing about blogging, in my opinion.. not going to awkward fashion events. I like the people behind the blog, not just the blog being the blog and another way for PR company’s or brands to promote their products. We should be more people orientated and care a little bit more for each other, I think. Great post Jen! you always keep me thinking.
Even though I’m not a pro blogger when it comes to fashion, I’ve been to a couple of seasons now and this time, I avoided it all together. There are many reasons including the fact that most bloggers have a better camera than me and also the vibe that fashion week is getting increasingly non-blogger friendly. I think this is recognised by a lot of people and has resulted in a few blogger initiatives that have popped up (which is awesome) and were super appreciated!
I’ve seen too many people being turned away in the past and the whole ‘show me your stats’ thing is really embarrassing and awful to be subjected to, or to witness. Fashion week is definitely a bit of a circus and dare I say it, perhaps a bit over-saturated with bloggers these days which is a shame because among some of the fame hungry types there are some genuine and awesome bloggers! I also hate the the paps looking people up and down and judging whether their outfits are outlandish enough to be papped. I guess it isn’t true street fashion – just London fashion week fashion.
My main thoughts about Fashion week is that I feel like I don’t really need to be there anymore and to be honest, I’m fine with that – it’s not the reason why I blog anyway, it’s got to stay fun and why subject yourself to something where you’re not always appreciated?
Thanks for the food for thought Jen!
I only went to NYFW this season and to be honest I havent posted any of the pictures I took at shows/presentations. I feel like my readers (if they care) have gone to WWD or Style.com and would rather incorporate them when I feel like they are relevant (rather than flood them with posts).
And to be honest I am quite relieved that I havent seen huge floods of posts ‘covering’ the shows (when most of them are not even there?!).
It is all getting quite ridiculous, and I think a change in the blogosphere is bound to happen sooner rather than later.
This is a bit sad for us bloggers but an interesting phenomenon that is about to unfold, i believe.
What do you think is going to happen to the blogging world, Jen?
P.s. I love that ring! XO
What is going to happen to the blogging world? Whoa, that is a heavy question. There is a lot that could be said on this topic but in short I think it will continue to develop and morph. It’s interesting to see the first wave of ‘big’ bloggers develop into celebrities and ‘experts’ in the fashion industry. It seems like now you need to have a hook and something really niche if you want to stand out in the blogosphere. There are so many blogs that it’s becoming more difficult to stand out. xx
love this look and also your blog! It’s so nice!
Fashion shows used to be a different story though, the classiness just get’s sucked out of it when you can’t even see the clothes because there is an army of ipads being held up by the ‘frow’. I felt a noticeably more subdued feel to fashion week this season, I think people are starting to resent bloggers for getting invites but to be honest, they need to be able to realize that blogging is just as valid as magazines in a different way.
Love this look too
xo Camilla
Into The Fold
don’t forget to enter the giveaway on my blog!
I’ve never been to London Fashion Week and the thought of going terrifies me a little. The idea of being so judged on what you’re wearing, of people grappling with each other to get noticed and the sheer circus of it all encapsulates everything about the industry which makes me uncomfortable. Street style should be just that- not about how loud, garish or ‘look at me’ your outfit is, but about how you wear your wardrobe, and about how you create your own unique approach to fashion through your personal style. Everything seems to move so fast during fashion weeks too, particularly London, especially with instantly captured photographs, tweets and moment by moment catwalk coverage being updated as the shows unfold. However, whilst I’ve grown tired of the front row hype and the general chaos which surrounds fashion week, I love looking at beautifully designed clothes, the theatricality of a presentation and discovering new designers (usually from the comfort of my own sofa!)
Wonderful post
x
As an independent designer, obviously I’m 100% biased, but I definitely think bloggers do have a special opportunity to actually bring attention to smaller, under the radar designers and brands that most people are not going to just turn up on their own. This is where you, bloggers, have the potential to be really appreciated by the designers you promote, and also by your readers who are going to get excited about your unique content of really cool stuff they didn’t even know was out there. It’s also where you’re going to find people who are still passionate and excited about what they are doing.
Love and hugs to you all.
Ur undies r really cute btw!!
I agree with everything you’ve said! Though I didn’t actually go to the fashion weeks myself, I can definitely see this happening. I really respect your honest opinion on it instead of going for the ‘PR version’ saying how great it was! Very truthful. Oh, and btw, I just LOVE your nails! So cute! xx
It’s so interesting reading all the comments to this thought provoking post – you know how I feel about the whole thing since definitely not feeling “it” last season.
It’s odd though looking at other fashion weeks and the excitement and recognition other bloggers receive to the shows, when London seems to be doing its best to alienate the entire blogging scene.
You’d think after 4 years PRs would really be starting to get it…
Firstly, that Maria ring is so tempting, I want to stroke it! Ok, about the issues of the state of fashion week, I’m so glad you wrote this post. I had no idea so many others felt the same way, I just didn’t know how to put it, that ‘off’ sense of feeling when you know something’s wrong but just can’t verbalize exactly what it is.
When I noticed my usual “batch” of invites were surprisingly smaller than before where as with each year I usually get a bit more and the ones that I reviewed/covered almost certainly continues to send me invites didn’t, I just thought that there must be a lot more creditable people applying, either that or the venue’s were a lot smaller (like I got Giles but then they cancelled last minute due to small space). I agree in that live stream has sort of made going to watch a show pointless unless you really love that designer, know them or buy their stuff religiously like Michael has stated, otherwise why bother?
I definitely felt put off this season, and much has to do with the new attendees this season, it’s sort of like word got out that you can just “enter” BFC, dress up and get snapped and represent LFW Streetstyle when you’re not even doing anything there. I feel sad to even say I’m a blogger a because what does that even mean? That you were bored one day, stumbled upon blogspot and have wifi? Cause if that’s the case, who ISN’T a blogger?! The crazy costumes are just kitsch… when did clownwear become ok and categorized as streetstyle? It’s circus-style, or cirque-du-so-lame.
I really have to agree with pretty much everything you said here Jen, the allure of fashion week just doesn’t seem to put a spark in my eye anymore, the novelty definitely wore off. I attend fashion week hoping to get some decent snaps, catch up on old acquaintances, check up on what’s new (exhibitions and shows) and general networking I guess…. There were so many people that I’ve met that don’t even work in fashion, they just lounge around the courtyard which got me thinking “ok, you’re either waiting to shoot people or you came two hours early to see one show and wait to get streetstyled; getting snapped might’ve been fun 2-3 years ago, but now, I can’t really be bothered and I never smile. The weirdest ones are those who say they want to shoot you and they represent a magazine, then take out their iPhones… (um..lie much? At least have the decency to pull out an iPhone 5)
The antidote? Apply to only shows you truly love and feel strongly about, and like you said new uprising designers who actually need the publicity and some light. Never dress like a cliche fashion student/freak (‘my little pony’ hair, fluffy tutu skirts, random prints that really don’t work, and overly impractical attire since it’s obvious you’re not there working for the full day, no one except ADR who runs around the city would dress so outlandish and attention seeking, not when your job depends on you arriving on time and meeting people). Plan your day’s schedule effectively and meet the people you want/need to meet, avoid inevitable weirdos and focus on getting good snaps.
Wow, that was a lot of writing.
I’m not sure if my comments can count for much as I have never been to a fashion show. It would be nice to experience one though. The last few years has of course raised many debates around the topic of bloggers and fashion week and I have read both negative and positive comments,it is however mainly leaning towards the negative. I have to admit, I do mainly vist vogue and style for all the show reviews but it is always interesting to read it from a bloggers pov. I absolutely LOVED your review on topshop Unique last year and it is one that really stuck out and the pictures of the Louise Gray show you posted recently were gorgeous, in fact your site was the first place I got to appreciate them having not had the chance to look through them any time before that. The thing is (and I’m only speaking for myself here and I am risking sounding a little silly) but often I don’t tend to comment on fashion shows as my vocabulary on the subject is limited to “oooh it all looks beautiful” and I just end up sounding a little clueless which I’m kind of demonstrating now…. I just think that the number of comments a post generates don’t always correlate to the intrest in the subject -though I could be completely wrong!
Loves your outfit, your jumper looks so snuggly and goes perfectly with the leather skirt! XXXX
first off congrats on that bag, it’s a right doozy. i like that ymc stock certain brands like steve mono. i’ve never been to a lfw, i was once really interested in this side of it but never got that far. i got interested in more lifestyle and non high fashiony brands, so i can relate not being that interested in seeing catwalk images. much prefer personal stuff
Gosh. YES. Finally someone talking about it. Seems like catwalk criticism is some kind of taboo. I consider myself a big follower of international Fashion Weeks, but this year definitely something has changed. Xxx
wow wow wow what a perfect little blog you have, really enjoy reading it, adore your style!
regards from London,
Christie
I so love these provocative posts of yours. And you always make a good point.
Since I am surely not a (big) player in this vast sea of big fashion fishes I can`t say from my experience of fashion week attending that something changed; I can only tell from your (meaning you and other bloggers I read) that someting is different. And now I can point at it and name it proprely.
I think, judgeing from my observations from you bloggers and IFB that all this blogging phenomenon is just a big ticking bomb with no known time of its explosion. But it is slowly but surely fed with peoples bad characteristics, with common human negativness. Yes there are posers, people who just want the free stuff and the attention but there are you guys that make this all worth while.
And in the end, this all, what is happening now was expected. But, honestly I didn`t expect it so soon.
In my oppinion, everthing we do in life has to be for us, not for anyone else. There are different means to an end, and sometimes peole go the wrong way.
I started blogging in 2004, and I had different blogs that are now dead and it was all for me, for discovering myself. Now the blog I have is not “big” or famous, or has a lot of readers, but stil I write, I post. I would be glad to go on fashion shows, but it is logistically imposible even if I got an invite. Real life comes to mind.
My point is, you all should do what ever feels best for you. I agree that due to current atmosphere connected to FWs you loose your interest, and I hope this will change, and you all will go back and report great stuff like you do.
My point is, there will always be “those” people that will taint the world around us with their negative vibe or inappropriate behaviour. You just have to remember why you love it, and just go on.
I hope you all will.
p.s. the ring is amazing, beyond my words. I just want to touch it.
little furry friend!
I know exactly what you mean! I felt like I was so over it too.
Good look! I like it!
The fashion-blogging world feels like the Dow Jones in the 2007-2008 peak, right before the market crashed. Everyone, was piling into the housing market, just like everyone has a fashion blog right now all doing the same thing a million times.
I feel a shift coming and only those that are truly original in their work will survive.
In my case, I did not even bother to apply for the pass and went to alot less shows than previous fashion weeks. I didn’t even get a chance to see you Jen!
How about in Paris? xx
Hey Jen, maybe at the Espace Ephemere Tuileries? We shall see…
Very nice style.
Interesting, and I see these same sentiments echoed on so many blogs that I follow. I thought maybe it was just me, that I was just maybe saturated somehow, because when nyfw hit this year I honestly cared only a teeny tiny bit, and then only about a few designers, and certainly not at all about all the fashionable people outside the shows. And I think last year maybe I did care. But it’s not just me of course, we are all saturated. And I think it’s a natural result of this easy instant access we’ve had now from all the blogging, tweeting, etc. The way the fashion industry has become less exclusive and more accessible (visually, if not economically) has also possibly made it less enticing and thrilling? I don’t know. There is a definite shift though, and I think it’s being felt all over the blogosphere, if not even wider.
http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/
Les gens sont blasés, avec les nouvelles technologies on sait tout avant tout le monde, le défilé on l’a déjà vu avant que les photos des magazines soient publiées!
Bravo for posting this Jen, judging by the comments, you’re not the only one thinking this. I’ve been um-ing and ah-ring about it since yesterday and I have a few thoughts….
- Show ticket allocations are NOT (and have never been) decided by interns, the emails might be sent to them, but the Account Manager/Show manager allocates the tickets. If you’ve given the designer/PR company a decent amount of coverage for their clients, you might be given a ticket. I’m always grateful for any tickets, as I see LFW as a privelage not a given, to be invited. Yes, theres more competition (in the way of online/print publications, blogs), but at the end of the day, if the quality of your posts and readership are both high, the PRs will want this kind of coverage, and in turn sustain a working relationship with you. And yes there a few PR companies (which i wont mention) who invite the less-respected-’bloggers’, but instead of feeling disheartened by the lack-of-tickets-situ, surely it’s a calling to be more proactive.
-Streetstyle attention seekers. Ok yes this season I was definitely on the verge of suicidal from the amount people floating round Somerset House, waiting to papped. Maybe it’s because I’m not massively into street style but….WHO CARES?? For me, fashion week has never been about swanning around in nice clothes, getting my photo taken, or more to the point, seeing what other people are wearing. Isn’t it all about celebrating the designers on show and discovering new talent? It makes kinda sad that something as trivial as a group of outlandishly dressed posers, is enough to put some of you off from going to an exclusive industry event.
-Although it’s cringy and probably nerve-racking. I actually agree the BFC should check blog traffic stats to gain the Blogger Pass. It’s an industry event (which before blogs, members of the joe public couldn’t attend), where you get to preview designers’ work 6 months before everyone else. And seeing as online press and particularly bloggers get uncensored access to photograph/tweet/post about the new collections at the exhibition stands, I think it’s only fair that they only let in bloggers who have a reputation for producing good content and have a dedicated following. Otherwise anyone could start a blog to attend.
Don’t really have a conclusion to this, but those are my feelings towards whats been commented… phew…
Loulou, you’re soo right about each and every thing you said. I just think it’s just not carried out/made appear the way the ‘system’ supposedly works – ticket allocation, blogger pass etc. Like you said, it will never be up to interns to decide who comes to the show or not, but it is them that refer to the list of people and reply yes or no, regardless of what kind of relationship you have with that PR agency. It just seems really heartless at times, and therefore discouraging.
For instance, I had coffee with a PR and spoke about, and confirmed, doing studio visit & feature of a certain designer that shows at LFW – then when I applied for tickets a few days later got flat declined (by an intern going by lists, I assume). I don’t know how that system works where the relationship doesn’t translate, and the blogs on that ‘list’ seem to be completely random.
Sure, it’s absolute privilege for bloggers, but I think it also works the other way where it also is a privilege for a designer to be featured on certain high-quality blogs. Blogs of those who I see left out of a show because they didn’t receive a ticket, or they didn’t see anything/record worthwhile pics from behind a horde of people.
I too agree that the BFC should check the analytics, just like the circulation & statistics of magazines are required, but it would really help for them to do some research, or at least good databasing, so that they can see which blogs have been registered & accepted before and not. Spare me the pain of standing in line while the person in front (ANYONE really with a blog and what resembles a ‘business card’) sign up and write 100,000 in the ‘monthly unique’ slot in the form.
Woah that really sucks with the PR declining the invite. I guess theres no rule as to how PRs deal with bloggers, as it all depends on each individual at the PR company and how organised those teams are. And in the case that you mentioned, I think it was lost in translation. (would be interested to know which PR it was though
)
Am not too familiar with the registration process of passes for bloggers. Why do you need to put the stats in the online form then show them again at the desk? Very weird.
I’ve had similar experiences as Shini with the front-end of the PR company, i.e. the interns/inexperienced PRs who actually reply to your emails, rejecting me from things when their bosses have already asked me to come. Once I was completely rebuffed at the entrance to a show by the clipboard-wielding girls until I saw the owner of the PR company in the distance, waved to her, and was immediately ushered into the building. The interns may not make the final decisions about who gets in and who doesn’t, but I think it would be very easy for them not to pass your request on to their superiors considering the number of applications they get. Of course every PR company seems to work completely differently – that’s why you often see the same bloggers at the shows represented by the same companies.
*Sidenote* This week Pelayo posted about how the door staff at Pucci completely refused to let him in and said he had never been invited (his ticket hadn’t arrived on time). When he got back to his hotel he tweeted a photo of his hand-written invitation… Of course that doesn’t just happen to bloggers but to everyone, but I’ve heard a lot more stories like that coming from bloggers than journo friends.
Completely agree that the BFC should have a proper database of blogs with verifiable stats (if they want to do it all by numbers). I’ve seen the front of house be very hostile towards bloggers who have actually registered beforehand and handed over their analytics. Understandable on the day since they are swarmed with people claiming thousands of readers but they really should put the effort in in advance to avoid this. Of course the alternative is just not to register at all, like I do now.
I really enjoyed reading this debate.
You are so lucky girls for even thinking that you have the chance to go to a fashion week show.
Yes you’re totally right didn’t have the same spark as previous years and I could deal with all the pretentious bitchy people in the industry this time around
I like your post – always gets us thinking! It only occured to me how amazing it was when I was with a friend on skype chatting a tthe same time (she was in poland, I in Hong Kong) and we were watching the Gucci show at the same time together, live from milan!
xx
i like your blog and i follow you via blogl;ovin
xoxo
ewa
http://thirtiesinthecity.blogspot.de/
I love the photos and your style of wearing those sneakers! Xx
Wow this is a really interesting post, and discussion in general.
I was thinking the same thing, and thought it might be just because this was my fifth time at LFW, but I agree, I think LFW may be nearing blogger saturation point. You can see by the way that they now have a separate blogger pass in addition to the regular press pass that the BFC has taken note of the increase in blogger applications. And now that bloggers can’t get into the press lounges it’s like they’re actively trying to limit access. I wonder if this is in reaction to designers’ requests? I know of at least one LFW designer who has a ‘no bloggers’ policy at the show.
Re ticket allocations, I still don’t understand how this is decided. Over 5 seasons I’ve had a variety of different tickets, there doesn’t seem to be a pattern, it’s interesting to see what was said above, perhaps it’s more about a blog’s coverage of a brand throughout the year.
I also agree that LFW posts aren’t even popular on my blog (www.styleandthensome.com), unless you happen to hit the SEO jackpot (like I did this week this Alice Dellal’s bare bum at Pam Hogg!).
I imagine that once it hits a peak, the number of bloggers at LFW will start to decline or people will just go for a couple of seasons until the novelty wears off/be more picky about which shows they attend. What will you fellow bloggers do?
Jen!
What an excellent point of discussion. Firstly I couldn’t agree more about the lack-lustre of the week itself this year, with looming deadlines and a stack of projects, the thought of running around Somerset House ignoring said projects was not as appealing as it has been in the past (perhaps you are right- are we growing up? – eek). I didn’t apply to a lot this year, I actually only attended shows that I needed to for work and a couple that I have attended in previous seasons that I love but I will agree that the invites were fewer this season for me too.
I think the best thing to do is to go back to basics (well for me anyhow) and realise that I did in fact start my blog for myself as a way to start fashion writing when my initial grad job wasn’t as creative as I’d have liked, the blog is not my career it is a mere sideline to my career and if I get to attend any shows based on my hobby then I should consider myself lucky.
However when you have built PR relationships (such as Shini’s example) it’s crazy to then not be invited to those shows.
I also couldn’t agree more about the clown-parade. Why on earth are photographers celebrating people who have merely thrown together every juxtaposing item they can just so they are snapped? How about they celebrate the people that ooze style whatever they wear- the people that dress like that every day, not just dress in fancy dress for fashion week?!
Great post, shame we didn’t bump into each other this season!
I’m right there with you on the fashion week sentiment, I’m happy to be there, happy to be snapped but I’m sort of over it.
Hmm, interesting stuff. I couldn’t be bothered to trek over to LFW this season and I’m not sure how much is gained (by readers) of bloggers attending in person. Maybe I don’t mean that? I don’t know. Good to think about though. X
It’s hard to know where bloggers fit in at fashion weeks now. When fashion bloggers started getting recognition, it made the glossy mags up their game and take more of a ‘real life’ approach their websites, even in print. It was very rare, before bloggers came along, that the fashion team would be photographed in new trends themselves.
When it comes to fashion week, it’s impossible to compete with the speed of posting and access that established publications have. Writing a catwalk report takes time and effort and with so much pressure to get content out, the quality of writing slips, which doesn’t make for good reading. If blogs are more visually-focused then it’s even harder to get great original images that capture the show.
It’s a shame that the BFC representatives (perhaps not as a whole) can be so condescending towards bloggers because the Exhibition is always overlooked by the press and a shout out from bloggers could benefit the emerging designers and commercial brands.
WOW. check out these comments! So interesting because I actually thought I was one of the only ones to feel like this! Jen, and commenters, I completely agree.
Last season, it got to me, and i realised I needed to sit back and think “do I actually need to be here? why am I giving myself a headache for this? Do I want to be part of this ridiculously overhyped style ‘stress’fest?”
No, no I don’t and I don’t need to be here. (Despite the fact that I do actually work in fashion outside my blog)
Sure, I think it’s important for young people in fashion/bloggers to test it out, see what’s going on and then think ” am I contributing anything worthwhile to the industry.” Probably not for most.
One of the reasons I don’t go anymore is because my blog is NOT about new collections. It pretty much never has been, it’s about my personal style. So why would I want to suddenly cram my blog with awkward photos of a couple of shows that I’ve only featured because I managed to be lucky and get a ticket for? NO. ONE. CARES.
Noone’s going to suddenly run to the shop and buy the designer’s latest collection are they? I also got less and less tickets to shows each season anyway which probably shows that brands are wising up a bit to us.
I adore the coverage of really good, big bloggers like Carrie et al. Shini, I wish you were able to cover all my favourite shows as I’d rather look at your photos than that of Style.com. Most other bloggers, I’ll flick back to Style thanks.
I also hate the fact that it actually has become over run by Bloggers. I feel genuinely embarrassed about it because I just know that the real important Press and all the Buyers must bloody resent it and it must give us a bad name. I want people to look at fashion week as something that is important to our economy, that is a major event where the fashion cycle for the next year is decided up on by those who understand it and are experts by it. I’d hate for us to get a reputation of dumbing down because of Bloggers. I also don’t like the fact that Street Style galleries now pretty much only feature bloggers when they are so clearly dressed to impress with some wearing pieces loaned by brands for the event.
Step back – what?! (Kit, I’m not talking about people like you and your MCM stuff – you’re a stylist and brand ambassador, that’s different in my eyes)
Lastly, eurgh, all the hype and crap that is talked up about how amazing/hard work it all is. It’s self inflicted, I have no sympathy. All the Facebook status fodder I’ve seen over it. It’s just not worth getting involved with. And for that reason..
I’m out. haha
Please say that this has reached saturation point and it’ll go the other way?!
xxx
Wow, a lot of this definitely resonated with me and I’ve been mulling over this comment for almost a week! As someone who has always wanted to work in fashion and is getting there slowly, being able to attend fashion week was invaluable for me. I’d only been blogging for 9 months when I found out, in September 2009, that I could get a press pass. The previous year I’d been dressing models and helping set up shows, so I was amazed that I’d get the chance to attend them myself and get to understand the complete fashion show experience. Although I muddled through my first season, I realised that my blog was a way of representing what I was about and in turn, I stepped up my game by making business cards and buying a domain. I feel that each season, my photos and analysis has been improving and I’ve managed to whittle the shows down to what I really want to cover. I may not have the biggest readership, but I know that I can get across elements of a show that a magazine wouldn’t necessarily go for. I love the challenge of getting my camera to capture what I want quickly while the music’s pumping and feeling pleased with myself when I manage to get a shot that no one else can.
There’s a proportion of newer bloggers who expect to attend shows but haven’t been through this process of learning and improving. It concerns me that they are there mainly to boast about things and get snapped by a magazine, yet still manage to get a few decent tickets and get away with one blurry photo and making excuses about how ‘they couldn’t be bothered to get their camera out.’ It’s really frustrating that the BFC aren’t more selective and consider past coverage when giving out these passes, but really that’s not the main part of the problem as the pass itself doesn’t necessarily allow access to the shows (the bag thing is pretty petty though, as the staff themselves blatantly sell them on ebay). I think it’s the people handling ticket requests that should get some of the blame and perhaps don’t understand the nature of blogs enough to work out, which ones they should be letting in, if any. They need to invite people who truly love or want to get to know their brand and will put effort into documenting the show in a unique way.
I realise it’s not my divine right to attend fashion week, but I’ve found it useful in gaining an understanding which is ultimately helping me as I start my career in fashion design. I wouldn’t say I’m over things; I still love going to the shows, absorbing the fashion show experience and being inspired by new ideas. I’ll probably try and get a few tickets for my absolute favourites each season but it’s not the be all and end all. Sometimes life isn’t fair, and the blogger who is more concerned with becoming a socialite rather than creating unique content, is concerned more worthy of a ticket that you might have had for three seasons. What’s more important for me is what I do all year around. Sure, I may not be a target for the photographers and most PRs do not know who I am, but I know I can create compelling content for the many months it isn’t fashion week and there isn’t that spotlight on us.
LOVE your nailart!!!! did you do it yourself? btw: your ring is tots amazing too
http://www.violetlfeur.com
I echo your sentiments exactly. For me, I think it is simply the novelty of having attended four full seasons wearing off plus developing an intolerance to the token scantily costume clad attention-seeking twats that crowd the courtyard cobbles. As per the style.com comments – there is little to no need for anyone else (magazines and bloggers) to regurgitate their reports – instead Fashion Week coverage needs a complete overhaul.
- @helenturnblad