Glamorous, thrilling, chaotic – Fashion Week is a spectacle that captivates the world. From the outside, it looks like a nonstop parade of front-row selfies and designer outfits, but what is it actually like to attend to attend the shows?
Akio Cěn, who has previously worked as a Fashion Editor and Buyer, and regularly attends Fashion Weeks across the world, sits down to discuss her experience. Detailing her best and worst parts of fashion week, outfit planning tips, and how she stays sane during a chaotic time.
How did you get into fashion, and what is your job role?
I started my very random fashion journey in 2011 with Esquire magazine as an Assistant Fashion Editor. After that, I worked for 8 years at a fashion buying company based in Milan and Hong Kong. Since 2021, I’ve been attending Fashion Week as a guest, thanks to my connections with brand founders and PR.
Can you remember the first fashion show you attended? What was it like?
The first one was a bit blurry, but it was quite intense — it was a Giorgio Armani show. I attended with our Fashion Editor. I was both excited and nervous. Everything felt fascinating. I remember we did a photoshoot with an Asian film star whose team had about 20-30 people. At the after-party, I accidentally broke some wine glasses, causing a tiny chaos. I was around 23 years old at the time.
What does a typical day during fashion week look like for you?
Changing outfits for different shows, and sometimes having mini heart attacks because traffic can really slow me down. I need to be flexible — sometimes I get two, three invitations for the same time slot, so I adjust my plans based on traffic. It’s always beautiful chaos. I also check Anna Dello Russo’s Instagram often — she gets up at 6am for the gym and then attends shows all day. I’m amazed by her energy. Fashion is all about staying ahead — you have to run faster than most people, otherwise, how can they follow the trend?
What is your favourite and least favourite part of fashion week?
My favourite part is the intense schedule, the challenge of taking it on, and getting tasks done. The more I do, the more I realize I can do. The faster I run, the faster I want to go. I love the level of the events, the creative expression in people’s outfits, and the high-energy inspiration all around, as well as giving inspiration.
My least favourite part is the shallow conversations, traffic, and strikes — all happening at once. I even tried using a shared bike once.
We all know that fashion week can be pretty chaotic. How do you keep sane during such a busy time?
I try to do less now. The truth is, I’ll still miss most events no matter how many I attend. The key is to stay flexible and find peace in my heart. It’s part of life, I’ve learned how to enjoy more and stress less.
Any tips for outfit planning?
Prepare at least a month in advance, including the styling. Be as bold as you can, based on your personality. My weak point is makeup, since I don’t wear it regularly. But I think it can change a lot of the overall expression, especially creative makeup.
Is there a city whose fashion week you would love to attend?
Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Tokyo — they seem full of potential, and I’m really curious about them. I imagine the fashion trends there are quite different. I once attended the Saudi Arabia White Show in Milan — the guests’ outfits were super impressive: futuristic and fascinating, and I’m always curious about Tokyo one.
Is there a particular show or event you have attended that stands out as your favourite? What did you love most about it?
Antonio Marras — his shows always have a theatrical vibe, with music, performance, and storytelling. I love the models, the styling, and the makeup. For me, it goes beyond just a runway. Also, the first ever after-party of Prada — I was amazed by how many people were lining up even with invitations. We skipped the line and went straight into the VIP zone. It turned into a fun rave with the DJ.
From the recent collections for FW25, did you notice any emerging trends that you are excited to wear?
Futuristic details, creative /artistic makeup, and genderless and fluid silhouettes.
When you are not attending shows, how would you describe your personal style?
During Fashion Week, my biggest desire is just to wear pyjamas and go grocery shopping! In general, my style is fun, genderless, and vintage-inspired. I like a simple but creative look. Not too girly, not overly feminine. But fun and with a strong focus on the shape of pants and colours, I love the feeling of freedom, like riding with the wind — alive, bright —but with thoughtful design details that not everyone may have noticed. Suitable personal creative expression that turns the idea of “a combination of enemies” into something more natural, harmonious, and fun.
As well as the more established houses, fashion week is also a great time for young designers. Are there any in particular that you are loving right now?
I like a little something from different young designers. I think it’s because they’re still evolving. But I’ve received a lot of compliments in Milan, NYC, and St. Moritz for outfits from a Chinese brand called Fax Copy Express and Angelo Cruciani from Italy — he’s not exactly new, but he’s an independent designer with plenty of awards.
Is there a particular show that you have never attended, that you would love to?
I have my eyes on some friends who are designers. They may not be well known yet, but I’m looking forward to seeing their shows when it will happen. Apart from that, I would say Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto.