One year ago, I started going to London Fashion Week to train myself at photography. As much as I love The Sartorialist images rare are the street style photographers able to convey emotions along with great style as seamlessly as Scott Schuman does. Needless to say then that with such a point of view when I arrived in location I almost regretted my decision. What I witnessed was a real mayhem. Photographers and their models of the day trying not to be run over by cars, fashionistas faking having a phone call and anti-fur protesters circulating disturbing videos of animals being butchered (with the sound on, to get more impact, apparently) – in brief, the fashion circus like some love to call it.
Amid all the mess, I noticed in between two shots people exchanged contacts or had quick conversations about their jobs and creative projects. I realized then some people came and spent their day outside the Fashion Week venue for that goal. Networking. Do you remember fashion designer Vika Gazinskaya? We all have heard about how her street style icon status enabled her to launch her own label. But what if you are not on that side of the creative spectrum? It doesn’t matter. Take your camera, dress the part and start mingling.
We are not called generation slashers for anything. This photographer or that beautiful model you just met often have more than one string to their bow. It can be they write, have a brand, DJ or are social media specialists or graphic designers. Exchange business cards or if you don’t have any, your Instagram will do. A real conversation won’t sparkle with all the mess going around, but a follow-up through email or Instagram is a great way for the people to remember you. And who knows maybe, later on, you will work on something great together!
