My First New York Fashion Week

On September 12^th, 2015, I had the pleasure of interning at my first New York Fashion Week with my school, The New York Institute of Beauty.  As I stood on the platform of the train station that I had been coming and going into Manhattan from my entire life, I realized this time it was different, I was excited and nervous. I had gone to bed the night before with butterflies in my core and it felt as if they had made a permanent residence in my stomach. As I boarded the train going west, I put my headphones in and sat down in a window seat closest to the door. I observed my surroundings, a young man around my age, 20, studied his script. I took a deep breath and tried to enjoy the train ride into my favorite city in the world.

An hour later, I stood inside the Starbucks in Penn Station waiting for my friend from school so we could head down to our event together. My very close friend, Darshana met me, I ordered our lattes and we were on our way. It was around noon when we finally arrived. We were allowed into the beautiful white building just as the morning show came to a close. Tall beautiful girls of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures were strutting down the runway in some of the most beautiful gowns I had ever seen. We had definitely arrived at Small Boutique Fashion Week.

Small Boutique was a collection of three fashion shows: a morning show, an afternoon show, and an evening show. The NYIB Make Up Team had to work on approximately eighty models. I had been chosen to work as my school’s social media intern, so rather than doing the hands on work, I was taking pictures and posting to all sorts of social media outlets. I walked around the room and got a feel for it all. I remember being in amazement of how quick everyone was moving. From the models lining up, to last minute touch ups, to zipping up dresses and quickly coordinated outfit changes; it worked like a well oiled machine. I was just glad to be a part of it.

After snapping pictures of these gorgeous models and having the absolute privilege of being able to witness the process they all go through before it’s time for them to walk down the runway, it was show time. I was lucky enough to get an empty seat in the front row to watch these models show us all how it was done. It was such an experience talking to the models and getting to know them. One model had flown in from Atlanta that morning just to be in the show and had a flight home that night. She was hands down one of the most hardworking people I had ever met. Designer after designer I became more and more impressed with New York Fashion Week. After the second show we headed back stage for the final round. By this point we were living off of caffeine and air. Although we were hungry and exhausted, we were all still so enchanted with this experience.

The evening show was the craziest by far, the models had walked two shows by this point, the make up artists had one model in their chair after another. Seven o’clock rolled around and it was show time for the last time. It was cold and rainy in Manhattan that day, but inside it was warm and welcoming. The girls had their falsies on, their faces perfectly contoured, lips shiny and beautiful. We helped our models zip up their beautiful gowns, the men buttoned their suits, and tied their laces. We all posed for pictures as the first designers showcase headed out to the runway. After cleaning up it was hard to leave. I got in a cab and headed back to Penn Station in awe of what my day was. I scrolled through pictures on my phone and couldn’t believe what my day was.

Now it’s January, the holidays have come and gone. But, most importantly NYFW is right around the corner. There is a countdown on my phone, I’m so excited. Being a part of the NYIB Make Up Team has given me so many wonderful opportunities and experiences I wouldn’t have had elsewhere. From working with Revlon, to NYFW, to incredible charity events, it’s something I feel all New York Institute of Beauty students should be a part of. I completely plan on being a part of this wonderful group long after I graduate.