A familiar whisper echoed through the Palomo Spain show: “Ouch—my back hurts!” Stiff, backless benches provided zero support for guests, a common theme throughout New York Fashion Week. With shows running late and front row VIPs enduring hours of discomfort, the question arose: couldn’t organizers find churches with cushioned pews? The pain was so real that I even had to schedule an emergency massage appointment after the show, my neck stiff from a day spent contorting on uncomfortable seating.
Sadly, Palomo Spain wasn’t the only culprit. At Off-White, A-list stars like Zayn Malik, Camila Cabello, and Issa Rae were crammed together on long, sleek metal benches, looking camera-ready but visibly uncomfortable. At Christian Cowan, Jojo Siwa, in her spherical ensemble, couldn’t even sit down on the backless bench and had to watch the show standing. The consensus was clear: Fashion Week benches suck!
During a week obsessed with chicness, it’s baffling why seating is so deeply un-chic. Guests are viewing clothes worth thousands of dollars, yet the experience is far from luxurious. The long, horizontal benches, though efficient for cramming people into venues, feel like a punishment for those with back problems. Sitting upright for hours using only your core strength is a torturous experience, especially for a week straight. I signed up for elegant fashion, not a strenuous pilates abs class!
Thankfully, some shows bucked the trend. Sergio Hudson offered plush leather banquettes at Neuehouse, allowing attendees to relax and enjoy the show with a cocktail in hand. Tommy Hilfiger staged his show on a Staten Island Ferry, guaranteeing comfortable seating. Carolina Herrera, Naeem Khan, and Christian Siriano also provided regular, backed seats, some even with cushions. Sandy Liang offered folding chairs, hardly glamorous, but with a rigid back, they felt like a welcome respite.
With four days left of NYFW, I fear more back knots are coming. Complaining about Fashion Week might seem ungrateful, but the discomfort is a reality. It’s a privilege to attend these glamorous events, but that doesn’t mean we should suffer in the process. Can designers please invest in comfier chairs next season? Your clothes are stunning, why not make the viewing experience just as enjoyable?
I have a pricey massage appointment scheduled for the end of Fashion Week, and I’m not the only one feeling like fashion roadkill. It’s time to prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. Let’s make Fashion Week a truly enjoyable experience for everyone.
