I think Fashion and Art kind of go hand in hand. Art is all around us and Fashion is an element of Art.”
NYFW is a blur–fashion shows, dinners, after-parties, the days and nights flow into each other. You lose sense of time. You might be far away, far from NYC so here we have a special interview with Sara Dinkin of Fancy Hipster, giving you the behind the scenes view of NYFW. Photography and interview by Lauren Engel
How has fashion inspired your perspective on life?
I think Fashion and Art kind of go hand in hand. Art is all around us and Fashion is an element of Art. It’s something that even if you don’t care about it you’re still one of the biggest consumers and are clothed everyday. I think it’s one of the best forms of freedom of expression and it allows you to be whomever you want to be. I work in Fashion so I’m constantly inspired and looking for new ways to show it. Ever since I was a child it has always been what I’ve known best.
Describe your “a day in the life” for fashion week
I wake up, rush to get dressed, hop in a car and am out for the whole day running between shows, lunches, dinner and after parties. It’s a day of nonstop movement and a lot of hurry up and waiting for the shows to begin.
Which designers are you most inspired by?
I have so many favorite designers but a few of them are:
Alexander Wang, The Row, Stella McCartney, Chanel, Tome, Rodarte, Chloe, Wendy Nichol, Dion Lee
What about New York inspires you?
New York is much different then the West Coast. New York is fast pace. What I find the most inspiring is that you can walk everywhere, and each block is unique in it’s own way. I also love that everyone is constantly hustling and works a full day, and then unwinds and plays just as hard.
How would you describe your style?
I would say I have a very eclectic style that is worn based upon my moods, as well as the music I’m listening to. I’m typically inspired by previous decades such as; the 60’s and 70’s. Often times I will heavily accessories but stick with my favorite colors which are black and white.
Which is your favorite show of all time and how has it influenced you?
I would say one of my favorite shows was Tommy Hilfiger. Being able to go backstage with NYLON, and sit front row was pretty epic. The overall energy of the show was incredible, and seeing someone become so successful, and still maintaining a large audience is inspiring.
Describe your craziest fashion week moment
I think it was probably when I did street style videos for the first time for NYLON TV. I had no TV hosting experience before that, and I was told to just go up to models, and celebs and talk to them about shows and what they were wearing. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and was slightly terrified at first, since I used to be quite camera shy.
For our readers who haven’t been to a fashion show–What goes on and what is it like?
It’s almost like going to Disney World for the first time. You get giddy and excited to see what the Designers have been working up for the Season, and patiently wait.
How do fashion week after parties compare to regular parties?
The doors are a lot tighter, and your guaranteed to see the Designers you swoon over and lots of Celebs that are friends of them/work with them.
What is backstage for fashion shows like?
It’s a long shot from how glamorous it is on the runway… Shows are not very long and once they begin the dressers are rushing to get the models dressed, and put in the proper line for the show. Everyone is scrambling around. It is cool to see the polaroids of the models and what their wearing, that’s something that is scrapbook worthy for sure.
