Fashion month, stretching from New York Fashion Week to the close of Paris runways in early October, marks a demanding period for editors. During these hectic weeks, the contents of an editor's bag reveal much about their preparedness and style. This deep dive into their personal carry-alls unveils the crucial items that facilitate their seamless navigation through the fast-paced world of fashion shows, meetings, and events. These curated selections, ranging from practical necessities to elegant touch-ups, are vital for maintaining composure and efficiency amidst the whirlwind of activity. What they choose to carry is a testament to both their personal taste and the rigorous demands of their profession, offering a unique glimpse into the functional fashion of those shaping the industry's narratives.
The meticulous curation of an editor's bag extends beyond mere utility; it reflects a strategic approach to maintaining professional polish and personal well-being throughout the exhaustive fashion marathon. Each item, whether a travel-sized hand cream or a robust portable charger, is chosen for its specific role in supporting a lifestyle that oscillates between high-pressure professional engagements and fleeting moments of personal care. This intricate balance of functionality and style is not just about survival; it's about thriving under pressure, ensuring that editors can meet every challenge with grace and efficiency. From ensuring fresh breath for impromptu interviews to having a reliable power source for constant communication, these essentials are the unsung heroes of fashion week, enabling editors to focus on their critical tasks without missing a beat.
The Practical & Prepared Essentials
Fashion editors prioritize a blend of practicality and readiness in their bags to conquer the demanding fashion month. Essentials like hand sanitizer, lip oil, and a compact mirror are staples for quick personal refreshes. Planners are crucial for meticulous scheduling, ensuring every show and meeting is attended. Comfort and adaptability are also key, with items like pashminas providing warmth during unexpected temperature changes, reflecting a thoughtful approach to enduring long, varied days. These items underscore the need for both personal care and professional organization in a high-stakes environment.
Laura Tarafa, a commerce writer, emphasizes oversized bags for maximum utility, highlighting her Prada Bonnie for its generous space. Her bag contains hand sanitizer for quick sanitation, lip oil for hydration, a compact mirror for swift touch-ups, and a planner to meticulously manage her busy schedule. A standout item for her is Superegg's deeply nourishing hand cream, valued for its travel-friendly size and rich formula, perfect for combating dryness. Additionally, she never leaves without a versatile wrap or pashmina, essential for adapting to unpredictable venue temperatures. Dale Arden Chong, a senior fashion commerce editor, opts for a more minimalist approach during New York Fashion Week with her Eittem Owl bag, carrying only essentials. Her pared-down kit includes a slim cardholder instead of a bulky wallet, a compact key ring that doubles as a hand sanitizer holder, lip gloss for instant shine, and two magnetic phone chargers to ensure continuous connectivity. This selection demonstrates a strategic downsizing to manage lighter loads without sacrificing crucial functional items. These choices highlight a tactical balance between space and necessity, underscoring how editors prepare for the rigorous demands of fashion week, ensuring both comfort and efficiency.
Stylish Solutions for Fashion Week
Beyond the practical, fashion editors also integrate stylish solutions into their daily carry to maintain their aesthetic while navigating Fashion Week. Statement bags, like the Bottega Veneta Andiamo or Simone Rocha’s pearl-embellished design, are chosen for their ability to complement outfits while still housing essential items. Sunglasses offer a chic way to manage long days, and beauty compacts or perfume oils allow for elegant touch-ups. These selections demonstrate that functionality doesn't have to compromise style, even when packing for the most intense periods in the fashion calendar.
Alexis Bennett Parker, a commerce content lead, prioritizes a bag that can hold all necessities without feeling cumbersome, making the medium-sized Bottega Veneta Andiamo her top choice. Her bag frequently accommodates her laptop for work on the go, alongside stylish sunglasses for sun protection and earbuds for focused listening between engagements. For maintaining her appearance, a Louis Vuitton eyeshadow compact is indispensable for quick makeup refreshes during extended days. Meg Donohue, an associate fashion commerce editor, has a long-standing affection for the Prada Cleo, which she finds perfect for evening events. This chic bag accommodates a deck of cards, an unexpected but frequently used item for her. When heading to the office or multiple meetings, Meg switches to her Naghedi tote. This larger bag comfortably fits her laptop, Kindle, and other essentials, proving its versatility for busy workdays. Kathleen Hou, a beauty director, is often recognized for her Simone Rocha bag, particularly noted for its distinctive pearl-adorned strap. This bag is not only aesthetically pleasing but also surprisingly spacious, capable of holding her numerous 'emotional support' lip balms without appearing overstuffed. These examples illustrate how fashion editors cleverly combine high-fashion accessories with practical items, ensuring they are prepared for every aspect of Fashion Week while reflecting their personal style.