That Time I Partied With Cara Delevingne

The night of the Nanette Lepore after-party was probably the highlight of my Summer/Spring 2015 New York Fashion Week, but many people remember it only as the night I met Cara Delevingne.

I almost didn't even make it to the party that night. My day had been packed with fashion shows and somehow between shows, I even managed to see my friend who was visiting from out of the country. Exhaustion had struck, so when I received my invitation to the Nanette Lepore after-party happening that night, I had no idea how I could make it. Add the fact that I had work the next day and the party started all the way downtown at 10PM; I wasn't even entirely sure if I wanted to go.

But there's no party like an after-party and everyone knows the Fashion Week after-parties are where it's at, so I committed to one more sleepless night in NYC.

I went home to get ready for the party and immediately let my roommate know that she now had plans for the night as she would be coming with me as my plus one. Fortunately, she required little convincing.

We arrived at the after-party location and gave my name at the door. The bouncer checked us in and showed us to the entrance. I was slightly confused as he was leading us to a ground-level bar when my invitation clearly stated the party would be taking place on a rooftop. The bouncer told us the rooftop party was, in fact, taking place, but the entrance to the rooftop was next door. As my roommate and I were about to turn around and head next door, he flashed us a secretive smile and said, "You are on the list, you know, so you may as well check out this party first."

I wish I could answer all the how, what, why questions revolving around my name being on the list for the Cell for Gratitude party, a charity event raising money for Sickle Cell Disease, but mainly because I want to know how in the world to get invited again... and along those same lines, how many other lists is my name on for parties that the host somehow forgot to tell me about?

My roommate and I walked into the party and I instantly knew it had to be one of the hottest parties taking place that Fashion Week.

The guest list: Cara Delevingne, Rihanna, Naomi Campbell, Karlie Kloss, Jourdan Dunn, and Alek Wek.

Karlie Kloss, Alek Wek, Jourdan Dunn, Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, and Naomi Campbell

Yea...

So, what goes on at these celeb-filled after-parties? Everyone stands around, drink in hand, looking hott and watching the door for newcomers. And they chat. There's mild dancing and excessive conversing.

These parties redefine intimidation and pretentiousness. It is actually embarrassing to ask for a picture with a celebrity because everyone there is either famous or some kind of A-lister. Guests would never dare stoop to the level of a star-shocked fan because that would be a dead giveaway of their commoner status, ultimately saying, "I DON'T BELONG HERE."

And that is why I narrowed my photo-ops down to one. After a photo with Cara Delevingne, I stuck my phone in my purse and joined the masses of celebrities, models, and their friends, many of whom I am sure were just like me... smiling and nodding their heads to the music as we all secretly hoped no one would notice our silent panic attacks while we hung with the world's elite.

We eventually made it to Nanette Lepore's after-party. It was not a star-studded ordeal, but it was an amazing time getting to meet and dance with Nanette and her family. Nanette loved my signature earcuff and her daughter, Violet, is so sweet. Already can't wait 'til the next Fashion Week in February!

xx Esther