NYFW has always played a strong role in my love affair with fashion. Living in the city meant that you felt the buzz every September and February- the city became electric with colour, personality and expression, more so than it usually did, so that's certainly saying something. I idolised the presenters that got to cover the runways and attend the events.... thinking to myself, one day, that will be me!
Low and behold, I finally got my chance. Granted, it was a big hustle, and it was no runway- instead of one of the independent presentations taking place downtown, but it was still part of Fashion week. And I was covering it.
I got lucky with introductions and became the NY host for Fashion News Live two years later, which I'm forever grateful for. I finally got a chance to go backstage and interview iconic designers, speak with celebrities on the front role, but more importantly, be up close and personal with the clothes.
There is something so magical about seeing a brand new collection hang so elegantly on a rail. Waiting for it's an introduction to the audience, just wavering amid the backstage chaos. My experience with the clothes really informed and continues to play a vital role in the way that I source secondhand.
When I was presenting, my closet was limited and as an artist, I was always on a budget. But it's Fashion Week, and of course, I was talking about clothes, so I quickly learned how to adapt my second-hand wardrobe to the week of fashion in New York.

Here are the 3 questions I would ask myself to make sure my outfit was Fashion week ready
- Does it have a "look at me" moment? Wether it be the colour/ pattern, fabric, detail- every outfit must have at least one "statement" piece that takes the outfit from look ordinary to extraordinary
- Are colours and accessories suitable for the event and occasion I'm heading to? What type of mood do I want to present and how can I make sure that comes across?
- Have I fully reviewed every section of this outfit to make sure it is detailed orientated? Are any marks covered up, threads in tact? Lines folded where they should be? Price tags and stickers removed? Access your outfit from every angle to truly make sure it is picture perfect. Then all you need to add is a smile.
- Am i comfortable? Can I last longer than 2 hours in this outfit. If the answer is no. I need to change something quick.
NYFW now
Since moving back to the UK, the world has changed. And so has Fashion week. I watch from afar but take diligent notes as the trends, styles, and messages being spoken down the runway can inform and inspire the way you source your pieces secondhand.
My 2022 takeaways
There is no wrong way to layer
Layering has always been a go-to for NYFW because of the extreme seasons. Attending a show may have you walking through snow to get to the event and sweltering inside because of the lights and people, so layering and loosely adapting to the situation is key. This was certainly a trend that continues on and for all of the right reasons. It helps you transcend seasons, going from winter to summer all in one look by pairing different items together. Skirt of trousers, hat over scarf- there is absolutely no wrong way- it just has to feel right for you. So keep an open mind when you are sourcing secondhand- we may still be in winter/, but you can easily give it that summer pop.

Luxe Denim
Denim is staying around forever, but people are becoming more accustomed to the environmental impact denim has on the planet. So investing in conscious, sustainable denim that can be worn from day to night is key. Look for ways to up-cycle and personalise denim to get it that added flare or premium touch.

Off-the shoulders
It was all across the collections- a slip of the shoulders or a slope off the neckline- we are talking skin. It's flattering, sultry, and easy to style from casual to evening. I adore the style, but one key thing to remember is to find the shap that suits you, by paying attention to how you want your silhouette to be seen.Are you happy with a body drape and for it to be all over loose-fitting and hang from the top down, or do you need to belt the look to give it a polished look? Play around with styles and if a top is elasticated, see if it can become the off-the-shoulder piece you were looking for.
And look beyond what you see. It may not have been designed to be off-the-shoulders but maybe you could make it? Slash a t-shirt and pull a sweater to make it slightly larger at the neckline? I don't know what it is but off-the-shoulders just add an "look at me" moment into any outfit.

So NYFW week has finished and now we move swiftly on to TUTU day. That's right you heard me correctly. Head on over to the IG grid to see my top tips for styling tutus as a grown up.