Aisling O'Connor: Surviving life in the front row according to blogging fashionista Anna Dello Russo
Queen of style: Anna Dello Russo
DIFFICULT as it is for those of us watching fashion weeks across the globe from the bylines, the last thing we need is fashion’s insiders sharing their top tips on how to ‘survive’ these weeks of standing witness to the unveiling of what fashion has in store for Fall 2012.
The fashion media mafia talk about press weeks as events that are be endured, not enjoyed. Granted they have to wear heels all day, queue up a storm, elbow their way in everywhere, wait for cabs, get up early and stay up late, and of course ‘network’.
This industry, which is built on a solid foundation of clique-ism, has found a new way to rub our noses (that are already pressed up against the computer screen) in careers that should be considered a privilege.
Since early February, the likes of Twitter, fashion blogs and magazine websites have been awash with pre-show insider-guides, offering advice to the lucky few thousand who actually attend shows at fashion press weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris.
The fashion media feels at pains to share restaurant and hotel recommendations for each city, alongside scheduling tips, how to deal with pushy fashion climbers and on-trend dress codes – all aimed at the in-crowd, while the rest of us grimace on the sidelines.
One style blogger complained on Twitter that some sponsors of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York would not provide up-to-grade consumable swag. Complimentary Diet Pepsi just wasn’t good enough - she was expecting Starbucks and mineral water. Poor baby.
The widespread bitching and complaining about queues, seat stealing, sub-standard freebies, sore feet and gate crashing is, however, falling on deaf ears. Those of us watching from our office desktops, couches and kitchen tables would give anything to be clacking our heels all over New York and be lucky enough to get standing room at Donna Karan or Oscar De La Renta.
Just when we thought we could take no more of the cool kids and their ‘real life’ woes, one of fashion’s most daring bloggers, Anna Dello Russo, published her top-ten front row rules. Dubbed a ‘fashion maniac’ by photographer Helmut Newton, ADR is editor-at-large and creative consultant for Vogue Nippon (that’s Japan to you and me) and a front row resident at all the big shows.
Anna’s exuberant personal style of over-the-top prints, textures and accessorising, with a penchant for hats, has made her a daily street-style staple snap for paparazzi and photo bloggers alike.
So what makes Dello Russo’s fashion week tips different to every other self-professed fashion maven on the internet? A woman, who has worked her way up to the top of fashion publishing whilst maintaining an eclectic style and being renowned as a nice person to deal with, is someone worth listening to.
Not only is it adorable that ADR and her team make no effort whatsoever to manage her broken English, her advice is darling. These rules are inspired and can be applied your work life to inject some grace, and pizzazz - don't be fake, credit good work and dress the part.
“During the fashion week I have my rules to follow and I’m going to tell my top ten list for the front row”, Anna Dello Russo.
1. You must wear outfit once. Presenting yourself in varied looks makes you memorable.
2. Wear good shoes. Don’t bother with a bag cause when you put it on the floor it could be anyone. Good advice. For any gal (or guy) spending time on their feet in a work situation, decent quality shoes are a must to avoid wincey faces at 2pm. A smart phone or tablet has everything you need. Most dresses are functionally designed with pockets these days for make-up essentials. So forget the bag, it might get snatched on public transport anyway.
3. Wear coat as a dress. One shot is better. Double your wardrobe. We’ve seen Kate Middleton in recent weeks make a dress of a coat and vice-versa. Good advice in cash-strapped economic times.
4. Don’t wear sunglasses, if you not are VIP (very very important person). It’s impolite. Only the very deluded (and those recovering from eye surgery) need sunglasses indoors.
5. Somebody wearing your same outfit? Wonderful, you did the right choice! Avoid embarrassing shoe gazing and dagger-eyes if you are dressed similarly in company. Instead embrace the opportunity to connect with someone with good taste.
6. Flashy jewels personalize your style. A stand-out piece such as a distinctive necklace, bangle or tie will make you stand out from the office crowd.
7. Nothing exceeds like excess! Being yourself and embracing your own personal style will get you noticed and remembered.
8. Don’t peek into the clipboard of who is sitting next. Don’t take credit for another’s work. Integrity is paramount to long-term success.
9. Don’t say hello showily and warmly at who is in front of you. Don’t be fake. It is perfectly reasonable to be friendly and professional, no need to try to be best friends with absolutely everybody.
10. Share your love for the show on Twitter as much as you can. Where appropriate give credit and a mention to those who host you. Twitter is the modern ‘thank you’ card.
Anna Dello Russo didn’t get where she is being pushy and complaining about soft drinks. For best results, liberally apply her rules to the front row of your life.
Annadellorusso.com
Aisling tweets @ashinyoconnor
