Banner image courtesy of taro ohtani
Fashion Weeks host some of the biggest events in the fashion industry’s calendar. Each year, they attract thousands of people, including industry movers and shakers, A-listers, upcoming designers, media, influencers, and loyal fashion followers. And they are not just a platform for showcasing the season’s latest trends. They create a venue for people to network, make deals, uncover emerging trends, spark inspiration, and, of course, spot celebrities.
Naturally, these events can get super crowded. Everyone wants to get in and be seen at the top Fashion Weeks. But the bigger the crowd, the greater the risks—from pickpocketing and scams to cyber threats and even terrorist attacks.
If you are a first-time attendee of Fashion Week, you should not let any of these trouble you. This article is all about surviving Fashion Week with safety in mind. You will learn how you can plan for a safe journey, what you can do to navigate big crowds, and how you can discreetly find information about people (and more!).
So, why wait? Let’s get started with our top safety tips.
Stick to Official Channels
Why is this important? When the big Fashion Weeks are up, scammers have a field day.
They know that thousands of people flock to hosting cities during these events. And attendees need to buy tickets, reserve hotels, book flights, and make lots of other arrangements. Where do these bookings and purchases happen? Mostly online. So, fraudsters quickly get to work, setting up bogus sites to swindle travelers. Some can also imitate popular vendors and service providers.
But you can evade such racketeers if you stick to verified official channels, whether you are buying event tickets or booking accommodation.
Plan Ahead
Last-minute preparation can leave you feeling stressed and anxious. This is when you are most vulnerable to fall for scams.
By taking enough time to plan your trip, you can rest easy and avoid relying on others to get around.
For instance, familiarize yourself with the Fashion Week schedule in advance and prepare an itinerary with the runway shows, networking events, and parties you want to attend.
In addition, research the city, venues, and events, learn more about the participants, and make a note of the event starting times so you can arrive early.
Pack Smart
When attending the fashion world’s biggest events, you might feel compelled to pack your entire wardrobe. But luggage-heavy traveling is never a smart move unless you have an entourage to carry your stuff.
Traveling light means you have less to worry about (and lose!). It will also give you enough space to take all the essentials.
But before you pack, make a list of what to take. Consider emergency situations and pack smart. For instance, take a portable charger in case you need a power backup for your phone. And if you are going overseas, ensure you have copies of travel documents.
Plan How You Will Travel
Taxi scams are among the most common frauds travelers encounter when visiting new cities and countries. Drivers who take detours, alter the meters, and overcharge can ultimately put a damper on your first Fashion Week experience.
So, prior to arriving at your destination, read traveler reviews and check out the best travel modes for anyone new to the city.
Public transportation is generally safe and fast in most places. If you prefer to take cabs, opt for a ride-hailing app instead of random taxis. Also, install a navigation app so you can track the optimum routes.
Keep an Eye on Your Personal Belongings
Once you get to your destination, you must take precautions to protect your belongings.
To begin with, keep expensive jewelry to a minimum. (Yes, you are attending a glamorous event. But it doesn’t mean you need to bring all your bling).
If you have packed any valuable items, store them in the hotel safety locker when you are not using them.
Be mindful of your surroundings, too, especially on public transportation and in crowded spots. These could be rife with pickpockets. The last thing you want is someone nabbing your wallet, watch, or jewelry while you are busy spotting A-listers.
Trust No One
At Fashion Week events, you will bump into hundreds of strangers. But you can’t ignore them all. Remember, the idea is to meet new people, build useful connections, and create awesome memories.
So, how can you protect yourself from swindlers, imposters, and other ruthless individuals? The best thing to do is to practice caution: Never give away too much personal information when mingling with strangers. And avoid leaving your drinks and food unattended at after-parties.
Running a quick online search to verify who you are dealing with is also prudent. Search engines, social media, and people search directories can all get you enough information to learn more about pretty much anyone.
Keep Loved Ones Informed
During an emergency, your loved ones must know where you are and how to get through to you. So, before you leave, inform a close friend or family member about your travel plans. Let them know when you are leaving and coming back, where you are staying, and a general idea about your itinerary.
If you are traveling overseas, note down details of local emergency contacts, like hospitals and the police.
Also, ensure you have uninterrupted internet access, ideally your own, so you would not need to rely on unsafe public Wi-Fi connections.
The Bottom Line
Whether you are looking to rub shoulders with the who’s who in the fashion world, make connections with high flyers in the industry, or just want to capture a few uber-trendy Insta moments, Fashion Week is the place to be.
But these events attract large crowds and can be hotbeds for scams and other unwanted trouble. Knowing how to protect yourself from them is, therefore, a must to make the best of your first Fashion Week experience.
Organizers of these events usually have security guidelines for guests’ protection. Check these as well in advance and take effective precautions for your safety.