The Necessity of Networking + Fall 2011 Fashion

Last night was the ideal example of the necessity of being constantly on your game and at your best in this industry. You never know who you might meet and what they might be able to do for you if they find you interesting enough.


....It all begins with Anna Sui, under the auspices of the epic Mercedez Benz/IMG Fashion Tent....


Once my own Anna and I were seated (after I had been propositioned to pose for photographs at the entrance to the show!!) there was plenty of time to people watch. Fergie and Vanessa Hudgens (spelling?) were across the way chatting amicably, flanked by Sofia Coppola and a very mysterious looking older woman in Chanel who was almost exactly reminiscent of Barbara Bush.


While I appreciated the nod to the Ballet Russes of Diaghilev's day, ultimately Anna Sui's cat and mouse shaped headwear and layered looks in '70s garish prints and layered furs detracted from any overall cohesion in Sui's Fall Ready to Wear line. Despite my personal lack of inspiration from her collection, it was certainly a pleasant surprise to see models given the opportunity to be comfortably casual in flat footwear, sexy secretary glasses, and easy smiles.

Guurrl, you better [net]WERK! 

After the show ended, Anna and I picked up gift bags and headed to the Mandarin Oriental for the Magazine's after party, complete with free flowing champagne, snacks, and Chanel nail color. The night was full of surprising meetings; a friend's connection from IMG drew up old alliances between myself and staff at IMG Artists. (There was a time way back in sophomore year, when I interned there and considered Arts Administration and PR/Marketing).

While we discussed the stylist's trunk show, Anna's colleague in sales realized that she knows someone working on Spiderman and several women who have chosen funding Broadway shows as their hobbies. Exchange of information here, genuine happiness to forge a connection there... Done and done!

Fantastic [ally lucky]. The evening came to a close in the Oriental lounge for dinner (apparently even a principled flexitarian will eat kobe beef sliders when she's hungry enough and a sugar momma's buying). Then the six inch heels were off, the normal girl flats went on, and off to the crosstown bus I marched.

Just another day in the life of a Broadway Baby!

Tomorrow: On Discipline and Structure and how both can save your dance life