show & tell

Surviving Fashion Week

From left, Rachel Zoe, Nina Garcia, Karolina Kurkova.Photographs by Patrick McMullan

Whether you’re a model, a stylist, or a celebrity, Fashion Week can be grueling. Five veterans of the shows gave Jada Yuan their survival tips. High on the list: Eating.

Karolina Kurkova, model, at Proenza Schouler

“As a model, when you’re first starting off, you’re doing eight shows a day and you have eight different makeup looks and eight different hairdos. It’s very stressful, so I’d say rest as much as you can and eat. Contrary to popular opinion, models love to eat. At least I do.”

Rachel Zoe, stylist, at Oscar de la Renta

“Drink a lot of water, carry an extra pair of shoes in your bag, and always have a sweater because these shows can get really cold all of a sudden.”

Nina Garcia, Elle fashion director and Project Runway judge, at Marc Jacobs

“Have a couple of shoes in the car just in case you break a heel or you’re uncomfortable. Drink lots of water. Try to dress day to evening so you can stay in the same outfit all day. And eat. Don’t forget to eat.”

Amerie, singer, at Max Azria

“Get plenty of rest and make sure you eat heartily before you leave, because once you come to the tents, you’re not going to probably eat anything for a long time. Also, don’t try to go to too many shows. I think one time I went to fourteen, and there came a point where I just sat on the street and my manager had to carry me because I could not stand. Your feet really hurt.”

Patricia Field, stylist, at Oscar de la Renta

“Relax. You’re seeing a lot of great shows for free.”

Surviving Fashion Week