FRONT ROW, EVENTUALLY
ON WHAT WE BRING TO THE FASHION TABLE
My big dream has always been to sit front row at fashion shows.
Two days ago I attended a fashion show here in Berlin with my best friend and got yet another glimpse of the life I would like to be part of one day.
Well, technically, I am part of it already. I mean, I’ve been there, I got my pictures taken, I went to see the show and the afterparty. But you know what I mean.
Like, really being part of it.
Seriously and in a meaningful, and impactful way.
I got invited through a contact, so, once again, networking it is. And I’m not dismissing that. Connections open doors, and I’m very aware of how much of this industry is built on knowing the right people.
But after the whole thing, I felt like I could put my finger on what was missing from the equation. It’s about the reason behind it all.
The reason why I get to sit front row and why I get invited to Fashion Week in the first place.
What’s the Why behind the invitation? What have I built, created, or contributed that makes me belong there?
Walking through a door and actually having a place in the room are two very different things.
It’s one thing to show up at these events, be seen, and tell people, “Yes, I was there.” It’s another to bring something to the table. To be relevant. To become a name that actually shapes the industry.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting to be seen. I mean, let’s be honest. We all want to be seen in some way. Especially in an industry that is so visual, so social, so closely tied to the idea of being someone worth looking at.
While thinking about this, my dream of being seated front row started to feel like a much smaller part of a much bigger ambition.
I want to seriously work towards getting there now. I want to work in this industry (I guess?) or, at the very least, work on something meaningful that gives me a sense of purpose and makes an impact beyond myself.
I want to take up space. I want to feel inspired. I want to feel connected, like, truly connected. I don’t just want to be seen as a pretty face or someone with style. That’s too easy.
I want to know that I belong there for a reason.
I can see myself sitting front row in a few years. I really can, I swear. But by then, I’ll be wiser. More mature. I’ll have my stav, as we say in Serbian. I’ll have a sense of direction, and I’ll know I’ve done the work to get there.
And that future version of me will be proud.
I’m looking up to her already.
Front Row, eventually.
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