It's the question on everyone's mind: How do you get invited to New York Fashion Week?!

I know, because I used to be the one asking. I also kind of got the hint after the tenth text of, "Esther! It's been so long! We need to hang out! By the way, how in the world did you get into that fashion show?? You need to take me next time! " or something as subtle as, "You better give me any extra fashion show tickets!"

Guilty. I used to be the one asking, but here's the thing, no one wants their inbox crowded with overeager messages from people they hear from twice a year. (Neither of those times being your birthday.) So, my dear stranger, it's time to learn how to get there yourself.

If you don't know how I started my fashion blogging career, it's time to brush up on your Louboutins and Love history because I can only tell you how to get invited based on my own personal experiences. That also means this post is unfortunately only geared to the fashion bloggers of the world.

Assuming you at least skimmed my "About Me" page, you'll understand that attending fashion shows has always been my end goal and it is my blog that got me there. Every blog post revolved around the hope of being noticed and eventually getting me my golden ticket to the great white tents at Lincoln Center to witness a fashion show firsthand. 

The problem was that no matter how good I thought my content was, I was a nobody buried under a hundred thousand other blogs who either started years before I did or simply did it better than I do. That's when I learned that I couldn't wait for someone to find me. I had to contact PR companies, show them what I can offer, and then let them decide if I was worth a ticket. 

Now that you know the secret, let me break it down for you. 

Step 1: Look at the Mercedez Benz Fashion Week calendar. A previous season's calendar will suffice. This is simply to get an idea of which designers are presenting their collections in New York City and see which shows you would love to score an invite to. Make a list of the shows you want to attend, but just remember, it's usually the smaller names that will agree to let you come. 

Step 2: Do some research. Google who the PR contact is for every single designer you listed and find their email addresses. This shouldn't be too difficult, but it sometimes requires a bit of digging. 

Step 3: Email each PR contact individually and request a ticket in exchange for posting about the experience on your blog. It is important to be specific which fashion show you are requesting a ticket for since many PR people deal with multiple designers. The email should include the PR contact's first name, your name and blog's title with a link, basic blog stats, and of course a sincere thank you at the end. 

Step 4: Wait for a response. Don't be discouraged if you never receive one as PR companies receive similar requests all day. It is also possible you will only receive an invite one or two days before the show.

Step 5: If you do receive an invite, make sure to promptly RSVP. Also, make sure to actually attend the show. 

Step 6: After the fashion show, email your PR contact requesting press images to use in your blog post. It is best to publish the show coverage within one to two weeks after the show. Don't forget to send your PR contact the link!

There you have it, the tried and true method that took me from five fashion shows a season to over twenty in less than a year. Now I even have PR companies contacting me first with invites. But for me, this is just the beginning. My eyes are set on Alexander Wang. Til' next season!

xx Esther