So you've finally been approved for a press pass for New York Fashion Week, and are ready to join other members of the press, socials, hangers-on, and celebrities under the big top.  I'm constantly receiving questions from bloggers and other members of new media press, regarding etiquette and what to expect during the biggest fashion event of the year. It's time to demystify the glamour surrounding NYFW.

From Jordanna at Fabaholics Anonymous:

Do they treat bloggers differently than traditional press?

You had to go and ask the loaded question, didn't you?  Since the machine behind the guest list is a PR firm, it depends on their standpoint of new media.  I'd say the general rule of thumb is, if they haven't heard of you, you're not invited.  These firms don't care how many followers you have on Twitter or how many times Racked has linked to you, but they might pay attention to the amount of press you bring to their client.  The squeaky wheel gets the grease, after all.

What is in a typical swag bag?

If you're lucky to get one, as they don't offer goodie-bags to those resigned to standing.  At the off chance you pick one up when you snag a seat (which may already be picked over by your surrounding vultures), companies sponsoring the show include their products, such as Redken, Make Up For Ever and MAC, want to get their products into the hands of the important people.  Occasionally a house includes something kooky, like Ports 1961's crazy voodoo doll necklace from a year ago.  I still have it even though I have no idea what to do with it.

If you have a press pass, you are entitled to a press bag, distributed towards the end of Fashion Week, after the sponsors have claimed theirs.  These also include products by the sponsors, such as flip flops, liquor and MAC products.  Pay attention to the press bag buzz as to when to get yours, or just email me. I always know ;).

From Twitter user Ondolady:

Does your press pass give you access to all the shows?

That's quite the complicated question.  Technically, the press pass only gains you admission to the lobby of the main tent.  Once you are approved for your press pass, it is your responsibility to contact the press offices handling the show to request tickets.  However, some smaller houses are more than happy to have anyone at their show, and by registering early, you'll be invited.  Additionally, there is a chance that you could attend a show in the standing section, but that is at the discretion of the PR team handling the show.  Bat a few eyelashes and maybe you'll get lucky.  Just remember, an invitation doesn't mean you'll have a seat or that you'll even get into the show.

From Monique at Your Style Star:

What happens once you get to the show?

Well Monique, once you finally make it to the tent where the show is being held, you are herded along with every other person who doesn't have a seat to fill in the gaps behind the lucky few who were actually assigned a seat.  At the off chance there is an empty seat nearby, tread lightly.  Would you rather have a seat for the show and possibly embarrass yourself by taking someone else's seat or would you prefer to have decent standing position? The gamble is yours, but remember being ejected from a seat that wasn't yours to begin with can be quite embarrassing, especially if you were ballsy enough to sit in the seat of someone important.  Personally, I'd rather take my standing room position and be happy with it.

Are you allowed to take photos/video inside the show?

You are indeed, however your photos and videos may not turn out to be the best quality.  Standing room doesn't exactly have the best vantage point and it isn't designed to.  To be honest, it's also difficult to get decent shots from a seat as well, with the runway lighting being so bright.  The best photo/video spots in the house are from the media risers, I would highly recommend staying as far away from there as possible.

If you have burning questions you need answered about NYFW, leave a comment below so I can include you in Part 2.