{"id":3000010201,"date":"2020-02-26T15:42:11","date_gmt":"2020-02-26T20:42:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wework.com\/ideas\/?p=3000010201"},"modified":"2020-09-03T05:53:24","modified_gmt":"2020-09-03T09:53:24","slug":"a-survive-and-thrive-guide-to-paris-fashion-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wework.com\/ideas\/professional-development\/creativity-culture\/a-survive-and-thrive-guide-to-paris-fashion-week","title":{"rendered":"A survive-and-thrive guide to Paris Fashion Week"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the business developer at fashion social network 21 Buttons<\/a>, Camelia Ferrah spends her days building out the company\u2019s presence in France and working on brand partnerships. When Paris Fashion Week comes around, however, her priorities are realigned so she can make sure that 21 Buttons is covering the most important events in the capital city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amid the countless catwalks, events, campaigns, and after-parties, the hectic week tests the stamina of everyone involved\u2014from the models showcasing the latest capsule collection to journalists reporting on the trends. For 21 Buttons, a fashion social network where users can earn money by sharing looks on the platform\u2019s shoppable feed, it\u2019s prime time to use its social platforms to engage with its community and share coverage of fresh looks and trends from the shows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Paris Fashion Week hits, the 21 Buttons feed explodes with inspiration and shoppable looks from influencers, bloggers, and other fashionistas who pack the city and wander the streets before and after shows. (While Ferrah and the rest of the Paris-based team develop new ideas for the social network app and its 14 million users from WeWork Colis\u00e9e<\/a>, 21 Buttons is headquartered in WeWork Diagonal 444<\/a> in Barcelona, Spain.)\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, Ferrah shares her tips for staying balanced and well organized during Paris Fashion Week\u2014solid advice for whether you’re attending Fashion Week itself or traversing any city to cover a major industry event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Divide and conquer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rather than attend every single show as a group, Ferrah and her team manage their intense schedules by splitting their time efficiently. \u201cOnce we\u2019ve had our morning coffee, we divide up the day and split up between shows, campaigns, events, and our day-to-day work,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s a way of being able to attend the shows and be part of the fun, while also managing our everyday tasks and ensuring that our community is being updated as the week goes on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan your route (and a backup route)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBefore our schedules are confirmed, we map out directions and access to ensure our travel throughout the day is as seamless as possible,\u201d Ferrah explains. With this in mind, she recommends having a backup plan for your travel. Ubers and taxis will no doubt be busy, so it\u2019s important to know your way around a city\u2019s public transportation to help with alternative routes, something Ferrah also acknowledges as a universal tip when traveling for work. Additionally, she suggests comfortable shoes\u2014no heels\u2014and staying up-to-date on travel news regarding possible strikes or traffic that may limit mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Stay connected<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Paris Fashion Week isn\u2019t just about the shows: Social media plays a big part in reporting on new collections, industry news, and updates. For Ferrah, staying connected on social media throughout the day is a top priority, and she up-sizes her handbag to hold all the essentials that keep her powered up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI carry my portable phone charger with me at all times,\u201d she says. \u201cWe use social media platforms like Instagram to share our photos and videos of the catwalks with our community, and without enough power on your phone, you\u2019ll be too late. It\u2019s a constant competition to make sure you\u2019re sharing content as early as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make time for self-care<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For the team at 21 Buttons in Paris, staying hydrated and energized during Paris Fashion Week is top of mind. According to a report<\/a> published in 2013 by the University of East London, by drinking enough water every day, people see a 14 percent increase in productivity at work. Ferrah understands the importance of hydration while maintaining her busy schedule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe carry water with us wherever we go, and we try to stay clear of champagne at the after-shows. Alcohol can lead to dehydration and cause you to feel tired the next day, and during Fashion Week, tiredness and fatigue will set you back,\u201d she says. Ferrah also recommends keeping a few snacks in your bag that don\u2019t need to be refrigerated, such as energy bars or packets of dried fruit, for when runway show time slots and travel could mean a missed meal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a structured schedule and some organization, you\u2019ll find it easier to stay productive, efficient, and energetic during any industry event. And despite the packed calendar, Ferrah reminds herself how fortunate she is to be part of one of the biggest events in her industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have the chance to be in Paris, the capital of fashion,\u201d she says. \u201cEven though the week can be crazy, enjoy it and have fun\u2014it\u2019s the best time to reconnect with leaders of the market.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n