Designers Spill Their New York Fashion Week Essentials
14 designers on how they prep for NYFW
We asked 14 designers, including Richard Chai, Rachel Zoe, and Rachel Comey, what key essentials they can't live without during New York Fashion Week.
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Rachel Zoe
The powerhouse stylist and designer, whose show is debuting on February 13, describes her must-haves.
1. Arcona Triad Pads
"I take them with me wherever I go—they are the perfect touch up after a long day of work or travel."
$30; amazon.com2. Brian Atwood Maniac Pumps in Black Leather
"They are crucial!"
$595; net-a-porter.com3. Black and Gold Hermès Kelly 40 Bag
"It's a classic. Plus, it holds everything."
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Wes Gordon
Come showtime on February 11, Wes Gordon won't be caught in a low-energy state.
1. Mophie Juice Pack Case and Rechargeable Battery
"Nothing stresses me out more than running around with a dead battery!"
$57.50; amazon.com2. Red Bull Sugarfree
"In the mornings."
$35.88 for 24; amazon.com3. Starbucks Double Espressos
"In the afternoons."
4. Miso Glazed Salmon from Odeon
"Delivery for late nights at the studio."
$28; theodeonrestaurant.com
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Rachel Comey
Aside from her "amazing team" and "super supportive partner," what else does Rachel Comey need for her February 6 show to go off without a hitch?
1 & 2. Rachel Comey Husband Coat and Mister Loafers
"They match my needs for utility on these days."
3. Korean Soybean Soup from Han Bat
"During crunch times in Midtown, the team and I always find time for a break with this delicious flu fighter!"
4. Como Shambhala Calm Balm
"This relaxing scent is handy at any intense crossroad."
$6.79; urbanretreat.co.uk
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Dannijo
One half of Dannijo's sister duo, Danielle Snyder, details how they tear up fashion week, before and after their February 7 show.
1. Granola Bars & Homemade PB&Js
"When we're on the go, we like to have snacks to hold us over."
2. Coco Libre or Taste Nirvana Coconut Water
"Because hydration is king."
$21.54 for 12; amazon.com3. Dannijo Sienna Bib Necklace
"It takes an ensemble next level."
$995; dannijo.com4. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl
"Red lips are the chicest."
$24; amazon.com5. Converse
"Because heels start to hurt sooner or later."
$55; victoriassecret.com
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Richard Chai
We hear that music will be a strong influence during Richard Chai's February 7 show—though he won't divulge which jams we can expect, just yet.
1. iPod
"With my latest playlist for inspiration."
$284.95; amazon.com2. Sonos Play:5 Wireless Music Player
"To blast the music."
$399; amazon.com3. Coco Cafe Cafe Latte Coconut Water
"For the late nights."
$23.50 for 12; amazon.com4. Dr. Colbert's Triad facial and a haircut
"So I look refreshed even with the lack of sleep."
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Jennifer Meyer
This fashion week is extra-special for Jennifer Meyer—February 8 marks her first-ever presentation.
1. Diet Coke
"I know, horrible, but it's one of my only vices, so I drink it with a smile on my face. It keeps me awake!"
$14.49 for 32; amazon.com2. Jennifer Meyer Gold and Diamond Good Luck Charm Necklace
"I never take it off. And I could use a little good luck for my first ever fashion week!"
$3,950; barneys.com3. NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Black Moon
"I don't use a lot of makeup, but this is one thing I love. I feel like it's the only makeup I need to feel mildly put together."
$22; beauty.com4. My iPod
"Right now I'm listening to a mix of Jay-Z, Adele, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton, and Kanye West."
$284.95; amazon.com
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Mara Hoffman
A little TLC and a touch of caffeine keep Mara Hoffman chugging along toward her February 9 date.
1. Soy Lattes from Gregorys Coffee
"During fashion week, I'm there twice a day!"
2. Meditation
"With all of the madness, it's really important to take those few minutes every day to slow down and just breathe."
3. Dr. Frank Lipman Complete Multivitamin Dietary Supplement
"My favorite acupuncturist and healer in NYC. I go to him for his vitamin packs and to get one of his magical multivitamin IVs a couple days before my show."
Complete Multivitaman, $46; bewellbydrfranklipman.com
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Suno
One half of Suno, Erin Beatty, stokes her creative fire with a few simple items she needs before their show on February 8.
1. Coffee from Joe the Art of Coffee
"Sadly, at least two a day. It really does work!"
2. Green Juice
"I prefer Organic Avenue, but often have to settle for whatever's near me in the Garment District."
$9; organicavenue.com3. Aquaphor
"My favorite beauty product by far."
$17.91 for 3; amazon.com4. Gyrotonics at Kinespirit
"The exercise I do to keep me sane and focused."
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Katie Ermilio
The right tools help Katie Ermilio prep for her February 13 show.
1. Kérastase Reflection Fluide Chroma Riche
"This keeps my hair super low-maintenance, which is essential when I'm focused on nothing but the collection."
$34; amazon.com2. Kaweco Sport Pen
"I always have this on hand for note taking and adding to my to-do list."
$19.95; amazon.com3. Caudalie Lip Conditioner
"Saves my lips running around in this cold weather."
$12; amazon.com4. Balenciaga Glasses
"With hours of fittings, alterations, and last-minute details, they're a necessity."
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Alejandro Ingelmo
What kicks Alejandro Ingelmo into gear for his February 9 presentation?
1. Vital Shot from Juice Generation
"To stay healthy."
2. Alejandro Ingelmo Camden Shoes
"They are perfect for a fall-to-spring transition, and I can wear them with a suit or a more casual look."
$495; alejandroingelmo.com3. Caffeine
"A soy latte from Ground Support, my local Soho coffee shop."
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Jill Stuart
Jill Stuart aims to head into Lincoln Center on February 9 organized and energized.
1. Kérastase Bain Elixir Ultime
"The most incredible shampoo—my hair is the healthiest it's ever been and super shiny."
$42; kerastase-usa.com2. Patricia Wexler M.D. Skin Brightening Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
"Particularly important when I'm not getting very much sleep and need a little extra help."
$44; amazon.com3. Vita Coco Coconut Water
"Gives me added energy—I love all of the flavors."
$21.99 for 12; amazon.com4. iPad
"It keeps me connected and organized."
$489.50; amazon.com5. Blowouts at Marie Robinson Salon with Jessica Gillin
"It's one less thing to worry about!"
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Maria Cornejo
Long walks on the Brooklyn bridge is what Maria Cornejo looks forward to in the lead-up to her February 11 show.
1. Clarisonic Mia
"When I'm constantly working, I really rely on my Clarisonic to brighten up my skin and make me feel refreshed."
$117.78; beauty.com2 & 3. Zero + Maria Cornejo Shearling Waistcoat & Shearling Hood
"Keeps me put together without having to think about it. They're my go-to warm layering pieces during the winter."
$2,595; zeromariacornejo.com and $697; zeromariacornejo.com4. iPhone
"To snap inspiring images for my prints on the go."
$199; apple.com5. Long Walks
"During the week leading up to my show, I need a second to clear my mind. I often walk across the Brooklyn Bridge in the morning on my way to work."
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J.Crew
Tom Mora, head of J.Crew women's design, focuses on comfort in the days before J.Crew's February 12 show.
1 & 2. Pandora Radio
"Playing Depeche Mode and New Order keeps the energy going."
3. Caramel Rice Cakes
"Busy = snacking, so it's a good, healthier option."
$3.29; amazon.com4. Navy Acne sweatpants, J.Crew tee, New Balance for J.Crew 998 Sneakers
"Comfort, comfort, comfort!"
$150; jcrew.com5. Workouts with My Trainer
"Have to maintain a schedule."
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Jenni Kayne
Jenni Kayne—who's showing February 8—is influenced by the California lifestyle both on and off the runway.
1. Jenni Kayne D'Orsay Flats
"They are so comfortable and chic!"
$450; farfetch.com2. Pressed Juicery
"I drink them every day." (Her favorite is Greens 1.)
3. EO Sanitizer
"It's all-natural and plant-based, and I've been using it like crazy!"
$4.99, amazon.com
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