Being the transparent girl in the least transparent business has its downsides. Letting everyone in on the push-pull of Fashion Week access makes me look like one mean mommy but I know it is my job to let my community know what we will have in terms of content. But it also has its rewards. Maria of The Runway Scoop just says the nicest things. And yes I actually do sleep, but mostly fitfully!
Now you all know I am not working to get this access on all on my own. The most talented woman in fashion (and the nicest) Laura Rubin of LLR Consulting has been working on behalf of Coutorture to gain entry to the toughest shows in town.
I have almost assuredly scared her to death with my pushing and prodding at Calvin Klein and Diane Von Furstenberg. I got an email from a little birdy at LookOnline today expressing a little humour about the pain and suffering of access. I am apparently asking to be banned for life since “public relations people have long memories.” Of course I was nothing but sweet and courteous because in the end I genuinely think we have something to offer in terms of reach and promotion for these designers. I simply want them to notice that. I strongly believe in the power of the new media and while every other industry has at least acknowledged the trend fashion still lags.
One woman who is charged with forcing change is of course the new President of the CFDA Diane Von Furstenberg. As a progressive designer I have every confidence that she understands the need to be progressive in other areas. I sent this response to our rejections and have yet to hear a response.
I am sure due to the popularity of Ms. Von Furstenberg you will have a very crowded backstage but I believe it is important for Ms Von Furstenberg to demonstrate leadership in this area. Cathy Horyn wrote nearly six months ago about Fashion Being Two Clicks Behind in terms of engaging and utilizing the new media for promotion and marketing. Ms Von Furstenberg is surely not a year behind the trends when it comes to fashion and thus I am sure that by next Fashion Week she would not want to be seen as a year behind when it comes to fashion media trends. The time has come for all designers of high caliber to pave the way for others to follow in terms of progressive public relations. Our audience is both wide and receptive and I would not want you to miss this opportunity. I sincerely hope you might reconsider our access so that we can work to showcase Ms Von Furstenberg, her work, and her vision, especially when so many other designers have already shown themselves to be forward thinking in this regard.
I don’t think this was an unreasonable response on my part and I just hope I haven’t gotten myself into a world of hurt. But I do want people to know our struggles as hundreds of bloggers prepare to cover fashion in new, different, and inspiring ways.