By Alexa Turkovich

The only event that can single-handedly take over the metropolis of Manhattan is Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week. Twice a year, designers and models flock to the Chelsea district to prepare for a week of madness. New trends that are brought to Fashion Week spark interest amongst bloggers and students alike.

Sydney Carver, more likely known as the fashion blogger Summer Wind, attended Fashion Week for the third time this September. As a successful blogger with sponsorships from companies such as JCrew, Kate Spade, Tory Burch and Nordstrom, she emphasises the importance of knowing others in the business.

“The networking is amazing. You meet so many different people in many different industries from all around the country and you can connect with them,” Carver said.

Although she enjoyed catching up with old friends during Fashion Week, the importance of Carver attending shows goes further than just seeing beautiful clothing.

“The shows are fun and kind of like icing on the cake. Some shows, I do make a point to go to because I know they parallel with the Summer Wind brand,” Carver said. “Mara Hoffman is one I make a point to go to because I really like her stuff and it will be featured on my blog come spring. Attending shows also helps me to see what will be ‘in’ come spring and helps me to plan my spring content in advance.”

At New York Fashion Week, Carver went backstage with Aveda and Tibi stylist and had her hair and makeup done. “I had never been backstage at a show, only in the audience. I had always heard how crazy backstage is, but it was really neat to experience it,” Carver said.

Fashion Institute of Technology students in New York City also have the opportunity to be a part of Fashion week. Kelsey Stewart, a sophomore at FIT, attended the event. “At FIT there are sign ups to volunteer at fashion week. Students camp outside to make sure they get a spot. Sometimes professors will email students about the opportunity to attend a show,” Stewart said.

Stewart hopes to continue with a future in the fashion industry and stays true to her personal style. “My style is minimal but not boring. I wear a lot of black and white but I love a fun print,” Stewart said. “When I graduate, I would love to work for a fashion company in their social media department.”

The large amount of speculation surrounding New York Fashion Week is well-deserved. Many people come together from all parts of the world, and share their work and love for fashion. There are multiple components to the fashion industry that all work together to create something even more amazing.

Tampa Bay’s own Fashion Week ran from Wednesday, Sept. 16 to Saturday, Sept. 19 at International Plaza. Among the designers featured were Oscar de la Portilla Escandon, Priscilla Kidder and Cerulean Blu. Additional international fashion festivities will continue in Paris, France from Sept. 29 to Oct. 7.

Alexa Turkovich can be reached at alexa.turkovich@spartans.ut.edu.