The UN-glamorous side of Fashion Week

While leaving the tents the other day,  I wobbled as far away as I could before ducking behind a corner to change into my ballet flats.  A man working at Lincoln Center saw me and informed me of how many people he's seen do exactly the same thing.  I can't say I was surprised.  I know I'm not the only editor to carry flats in my purse.

There are many amazing things about fashion week.  Runway shows, celebrities, parties, and all the backstage fun.  However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows.  Here are the top seven things you won't  read about in Vogue.


1.  Long Lines (Fashion has gone digital - which is meant to shorten those lines, but technology has again failed.  Despite all the airport style self check-in kiosks, I still find myself on a long line talking to the pr girls)

2. Blisters: An entire day standing around in your highest heels, what did you expect?  (seating is limited in the main tent!)

3. Early morning shows (Sure pleanty of people wouldn't mind setting their alarm clocks to see the hautest fashion, but when you're working at the tents till late -then need to head home to write about everything you just saw and only have about 5 hours to shower, sleep, and eat- waking up can be difficult.)

4. Fashionably late?  Many people don't realize that each runway show is only about 15 to 20 minutes.  Oh yea and they all start 30 to 50 minutes late!  Those lines you wait on to get into the show are longer than the show itself!

5.  Free booze and caffeine.  Now I know you're wondering what could be so bad about that?  And the answer is nothing!  However, the liquid diet only takes you so far.  I'm not a model- after an entire day working at the tents, I need FOOD!

6. Port-a-potties.  They've upgraded since Bryant park from individual port-a-potties to a port-a-potty trailer.  Whoopy!

7. Egos.  In a place where everybody thinks they're somebody, it's hard to avoid those who believe they are entitled to special treatment.