Stacey Levine (left in photo) is one of three interns working with FIJI Water at New York Fashion Week Fall 2012 (February 9-16, 2012).
I’ve always lived just outside the city, an outsider looking in on what seemed to be the most magical happening in the world — New York Fashion Week. As a FIJI Water intern this February, I got to experience fashion’s biggest event as an industry insider, and it has surpassed my every expectation.
Thanks to FIJI Water, I had the opportunity to go back of house with the models, stylists, designers, and celebrities, to see just how a runway show is put together. Back of house is always busy and hectic, and it was interesting to see the differences in how it’s set up and treated at every show. I loved being able to watch as the models were interviewed while getting their hair and makeup done, to take photos and videos behind-the-scenes, and to talk to other interns.
Below are some of the highlights from each runway show I attended:
Helmut Lang: As our first show, I thought nothing could top this. It was busy and exciting, and as we placed FIJI Water on all of the front-row chairs, I truly felt that working behind-the-scenes in fashion is where I belong. We had an amazing view of the show and even walked right by an interview with Michael and Nicole Colovos, the creative directors of Helmut Lang!
Stacey with fellow intern Tahirah Jarrett assisting a FIJI Water Brand Ambassador
Prabal Gurung: This was one of my favorite collections that we saw, and I even got to be a seat-filler in the third row, which offered a great view. At this show, our job was to hand out FIJI Water to the guests as they arrived, so we had tons of celebrity sightings. Arianna Huffington, Brad Goreski, Joanna Coles, Anna Wintour, Zoe Saldana, and blogger The Man Repeller were among them, but my absolute favorite was my first time seeing Bill Cunningham in person!
Alexander Wang: This was easily the most theatrical show; it was unbelievable and the venue was massive compared to the others! We watched Gisele Bundchen get interviewed and prepped backstage (she walked in the show), and also saw Grace Coddington, Nina Garcia, Bill Cunningham, Laura Linney, and a few other notable celebs. The most exciting part of Alexander Wang, though, was getting a photo with Anna Wintour! It was so surreal, and it’s definitely a moment I’ll never forget.
Jeremy Laing: It was a really small show, so we were able to go backstage beforehand, as well as get seats during the show itself!
DKNY: We didn’t get to watch the show, but we did see a ton of cool people, the DKNY Taxi, and I caught a glimpse of my favorite blogger, DKNY PR Girl!
Theysken’s Theory: This show was absolutely amazing — the collection was gorgeous, and we spotted Anna Wintour, The Man Repeller, Joanna Coles, Calvin Klein, and street photographer/blogger The Sartorialist.
Donna Karan: We handed out FIJI Water outside the show, and saw Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, and Joanna Coles again. I finally got up the courage to speak to Bill Cunningham (I offered him a FIJI Water!), and Nina Garcia, who smiled and took a FIJI Water from me. I also got to meet and take a picture with DKNY PR Girl, which was really exciting, and I briefly met Steven Kolb, who tweeted at me afterwards!
Oscar de la Renta: This show was absolutely breathtaking. I got to take a picture with Oscar himself, was a seat-filler for the show, and got to take home a swag bag with Oscar de la Renta perfume in it! And Chelsea Clinton was there!
Marchesa: This was our last show, and it was a great note to end on. It was easily my favorite collection. Every dress was a work of art. We got to see all the garments up close behind-the-scenes and, while helping give FIJI Water to guests, we saw Rachel Zoe, Brad Goreski, Nina Garcia, Joanna Coles, Stacy Keibler, Petra Nemcova, Taylor Momsen, and Georgina Chapman!
Overall, this was the most incredible and rewarding experience. FIJI Water treated us so well, and I was able to learn about the fashion industry while meeting some amazing people. I am so sad it’s over, and I really hope to get to attend NYFW again in the near future!
Highlights
