Fashion Week is a spectacle, but beneath the glitz and glamour lies a world of strategic maneuvers and, at times, audacious escapades. This year’s Forces of Fashion, dedicated to the art and impact of the runway, prompted a wave of stories from industry insiders about their most daring moments – moments of sneaking into shows, witnessing unexpected encounters, and ultimately, proving that anything can happen in the world of fashion.
Nicole Phelps, Global Director of Vogue Runway, advises aspiring crashers to remain discreet, suggesting the standing section or the vicinity of the photo pit as strategic locations. But perhaps the most important lesson she imparts is to avoid the front row – it’s a surefire way to be caught.
Mark Holgate, Vogue Global Network Lead and US Fashion Features Director, recalls a particularly bizarre incident involving a man claiming to be him at the Ralph Lauren show. The imposter, with a bold and persistent performance, declared “I’m Mark Holgate” repeatedly, even as the real Mark Holgate stood right behind him in the check-in line. Holgate, in a moment of amusement and disbelief, eventually revealed his true identity, leaving the faux Holgate to retreat in silence.
Hillary Taymour, creative director for Collina Strada, recounts her own foray into the world of fashion week, back when she was 19. With a CD labeled “Show Music” and a convincing story about being an intern, she managed to slip backstage at a show, only to later find herself in the audience, captivated by the spectacle. This pivotal moment sparked her passion for fashion design, a passion that continues to this day.
Samuel Hine, Senior Fashion Writer for GQ, shares a tale of an imposter impersonating him at the Louis Vuitton men’s afterparty. While Hine was enjoying the performance of Mumford & Sons and Pharrell, a man approached him, claiming to have used his name to gain access to shows. Though surprised and slightly annoyed, Hine admitted to being impressed by the imposter’s audacity.
Steff Yotka, Head of Content for SSENSE, takes us back to her first ever fashion show experience, a daring attempt to crash the Anna Sui show in 2008. Yotka and her friend Julia, after a two-hour search for a way in, managed to slip past security, witnessing Agyness Deyn, Lily Cole, and Karen Elson grace the catwalk in their pre-Raphaelite attire. They even snuck backstage, only to be discovered by Rachna from KCD. While the incident resulted in them being politely escorted out, it remains a cherished memory for Yotka, who now reviews the very shows she once sneaked into.
Lauren Sherman, Fashion Correspondent at Puck, recounts her own bold move, using a photographer’s pass to gain access to the Celine Spring 2011 runway show at the Tennis Club de Paris. Sherman even managed to secure a spot in the photo pit, enjoying a prime vantage point that she later admitted was better than the seats she received in subsequent seasons.
Phil Oh, photographer, shares his experiences using his association with NYLON Japan to gain access to shows. He also recounts an intriguing incident at a Bottega Veneta show where a group of Chinese individuals, including a photographer and a videographer, managed to crash the show, prompting both Oh and the PR representative to question their identity. The PR, acknowledging the group’s effort, ultimately decided to let them stay, acknowledging the audacity of their stunt.
Hunter Abrams, photographer, recounts finding an invitation on the ground outside a Haider Ackermann show in Paris. He used it to gain access, and, armed with his camera, he secured a spot in the front row, even getting Tilda Swinton to sign the ticket. The ticket serves as a reminder of this audacious moment.
Blake Abbie, Editor-in-Chief of A MAGAZINE curated by, shares a memory of watching Raf Simons’ fall 2013 Dior show from the standing section, feeling the emotion of the crowd as models graced the runway. This experience, he says, solidified the power and impact of witnessing a show firsthand.
Andreas Kokkino, fashion and design editor and stylist, reminisces about slipping into the Balenciaga fall 2000 show, a simpler time when such escapades were less scrutinized. Laia Garcia-Furtado, Senior Fashion News Editor for Vogue Runway, shares her own story of sneaking into a Christopher Kane show with her editor, a moment that taught her a valuable lesson about the boundaries of fashion week etiquette.
Madeline Fass, Senior Market Editor for Vogue, recalls her student days in Milan, when she and her classmates employed various methods to access shows. From waiting for PR personnel to be distracted to claiming to be “PR reps from New York,” they carved their own paths into the world of fashion week.
Julie Ragolia, stylist, shares a fascinating encounter that led her to the world of fashion. During a casual lunch with a friend, a stranger offered her a backstage pass to a fashion show. This impromptu adventure ignited her interest in fashion, ultimately shaping her career path.
These stories, from industry veterans to those starting out, highlight the unexpected turns and bold moves that define fashion week. They showcase a world where dedication and audacity can open doors, where even a chance encounter can spark a lifelong passion, and where the pursuit of fashion’s magic can lead to unforgettable experiences, whether planned or spontaneous.
