
Got plans to attend a fashion show? I have put together some tips to consider before you step into the world of fashion.
At my recent attendance at the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, I discovered a few things that might assist any newbie fashion show attendees out there.
See our "From the runway" coverage from the 2010 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week:, including photo galleries.
Tip 1. Don’t worry if you’re running late. It’s fashionable to be late.
I had my travel plan all worked out, arrival time with 15 minutes to spare, however due to some misguided directions and rush hour, I ended up on the wrong tram which abandoned me in a deserted building district a kilometre away from the venue.
Quickening my pace as I realized the time, I started into a light jog in my stilettos with the blistering heat of the afternoon sun to finally arrive sweating and flustered 15 minutes after the listed start time of the show.
However, I needn’t have bothered with my feeble attempt to ‘speed on foot’, as after I entered and took my seat, I still waited another 15 minutes before the show began.
Tip 2. There is no such thing as being OTT at a fashion show.
I stood in front of my bedroom mirror, tried on several different outfits, fussing over what to wear, is this too dressy, too much metallic? The silver dress with wing detailing on the front panels or the golden silk dress, cinched in with a black leather belt with gemstone buckle?
What I realized afterwards is that you shouldn’t worry if you think you might look a bit too dressed up because once you arrive, you’ll see so many artistic fashionistas trying to compete for the most ‘out there’ looks that you won’t have to fret about blending into the crowd.
Tip 3. You simply must wear heels, darling.
Your feet are covered in blisters that look like you’ve been trekking the Kokoda track, burning like you have been walking on hot coals, aching like you’ve been on the dance floor for 12 hours straight.
But no matter how much pain your feet are in, you must endure it and heel it up. High heels are a must for attending a fashion show, the higher the better.
Tip 4. Make sure you bring your iPhone!
Jimmy Choo heels – check, Prada handbag – check, black Gucci sunglasses – check, Apple iPhone – check! Is it just me, or does every single person have an iPhone these days?
As I was queuing to get in, the person in front of me had an iPhone. Then when I received my ticket, the girl behind the registration desk had an iPhone. When I sat down I noticed the people sitting to my left, right and in front all had iPhones!
Everywhere I looked I saw them, the models had them, the designers had them, the media had them, iPhones are definitely the fashion item of the moment, luckily I had mine with me so I could pass through registration.
Tip 5. Short and Sweet. Blink and you’ll miss it!
Don’t be surprised when you spend more time sitting in your seat, waiting for the show to begin than the time the actual show lasts for.
It amazed me how much effort goes into one show, the production, the equipment, the models, hair and make-up, the VIP’s, the tickets, the venue, the promotion, the countless painstaking hours to put outfits together for the parades. Hundreds of hours of work go into each show, which can last as little as 15–20 minutes.
So make sure you take in every detail, the colours and shades, patterns and textures, accessories and shoes, hair and makeup. Soak up every minute of your fashion experience and most of all have fun and enjoy yourself!

See our "From the runway" coverage from the 2010 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week:, including photo galleries.
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