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I’m a veteran of the fashion week thing, but I once was a virgin to the tents.   Check out first timer “Stephanie” as she remarks on her first day in the tents.

On February 12, 2010 at 8 pm, I rushed to H&M to find something to wear to my first Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. I knew I couldn’t afford an expensive outfit, but I still wanted to look as fashionable as possible. After trying on about 10 outfits I finally found the perfect $24.99 sequined, padded- shouldered little black dress, paired with $39.99 shoes I grabbed at JCPENNY’S in ten minutes.

Ok, now I’m dressed, walking up to the huge white tent, nervous, excited and telling myself, don’t fall Stephanie! Walking in, to the right I saw a black Mercedes, to the left a silver one, and in front screens showing clips of past runway shows and supermodel trivia questions. There were so many people scrambling all over the place and bumping into each other, reporters interviewing guests, and photographers snapping away. After getting compliments on my outfits, I started to feel more at ease. In the middle of the tent was a huge fountain with collections of vintage suitcases and clothing surrounding it.

After checking out the place, I made a cool video clip to air on AOL in the AOL media lounge, had some chocolate, then sipped on a complimentary “little pink dress” and “between the sheets.”  I also loved the Maybelline suite’s black leather couches and bright pink carpet, where I snagged eyeliner and lipgloss. I then got a free goody bag from the Tresemme’ suite!

Around 2:40 I headed into the Academy of Art University show.  There were dozens of photographers waiting to catch a shot of a celeb, or the guy in the white suit with the colorful shapes painted on it. I took my chance to grab a photograph and quick interview with Dwight Eubanks (Real Housewives of Atlanta), who told me he was wearing a Polo Suit, Armani tie, and Pierre Cardin hat! “Make sure you get the Paciotti shoes,” exclaimed Dwight when I snapped a shot of him.

The lights dimmed, the music blasted, and the models sashayed down the runway in clothes ranging from silk and chiffon to highly-structured wool and shoulder-pads. I loved the black jacket with mirrored sequins that one of the models was wearing.  After the crowd cheered, none other than Miss Jay was waiting outside the show, where one fan exclaimed, “he’s sooooo beautiful.” (hmm, stalker alert)

I then chatted with Steven Oo, one of the designers from the show who told me not only was it his first trip to NY Fashion week, but it was his very first showing.  He described the experience as “Fast and Furious,” adding that it was a “great three minutes, following the six months of preparation.”

I walked around a little longer, making a new friend, aspiring stylist and high school student Sam Wagner, who was very stylish in a faux fur coat, skinny jeans, and bright red pumps. Wagner described her first trip to fashion week, as “sick!” Wagner and I then stopped by the Twinkle by Wenlan show and checked out the chunky knit sweaters and dresses. I really appreciated seeing models of color strutting their stuff. I was dying watching Miss Jay scowl, as one model walked awkwardly down the runway.

The next day the tent was noticeably more crowded with women in furs and men in tailored suits.  I grabbed another “in between the sheets” then walked into the show. I was pretty impressed by the seating cards for Marie Claire, A&E, and Vogue TV. The lights dimmed, the music blasted, and the models never missed a beat at the Custo Barcelona Show; I was at a major fashion show, and I loved it!

I must admit it was also flattering when one of the photographers said I looked familiar, and asked if I was a model, note to self: next time…bring comp cards!  I can’t wait to come back, and experience the excitement, fun, and adrenaline that is Mercedes Benz Fashion Week!

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