Steppin' Out at Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week

You've heard all the hype, seen the celebrities, great clothes and envied everyone who attends Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. This year, I ventured into Fab territory to cover some of the events at Bryant Park and beyond. Everyday was not smooth sailing. I learned there is a lot of preparation that goes into getting into New York Fashion Week and here are some guidelines to having a successful experience:

First, you must be invited to attend. New York Fashion Week is not open to the public, but is reserved for celebrities, designers, press and retailers who will directly impact or are involved in the fashion industry. If you are not on the list, you have to get on the list by direct invite or by association: you know someone who is showing, going, or in the media and they gift you an invite. Some invites are not transferable, so you would be lucky to get one by association.

If you don't have a hard copy invitation, you won't get past the guards in the tent. This was my first year and I emailed the designer's PR contacts requesting press clearance to attend. However, I received confirmations by email in which I was told to printout and bring with me to the tent. The guards didn't even glance at the paper and my press pass only allowed me to enter the tent not the shows. Therefore, I missed the Red Dress for Breast Cancer show and Tracy Reese. Two of the most attended shows in the tent.

There is something called ST or 'Standing' which means that you may get into the show if there is room and if you do, you will have to stand in the back or sides of the room.

There is a better chance to make it into shows outside of the tent if you contact the designer's PR contacts. These designers hold their shows at upscale establishments throughout NYC. I attended Kimora Lee Simmons Baby Phat/KLS show at the Roseland Ballroom, B. Micheals show at Christie's Auction House and the Sean Jean show at Cipriani on 42nd. I had fabulous seats and each designer gave out swag bags (gift bags with lots of stuff).

Once you're in: