The life of a fashion outsider trying to get in is no easy feat.  Last night was day 4 of my new life as a paparazzi fashion street blogger.  I had waitressed all day so again I had to go to a night show.  I really have no idea how to use my Nikon D90 at night…it takes 20 seconds to click a photo and they always come out blurry.  Also, I had no idea where the Givenchy show was being held.  I usually go to Instagram and use #PFW to scroll the posts of those fashion insiders who take pictures of their invitations.  It was getting late…7pm and still not one photo of an invitation.  The show was scheduled for 8.  I finally reached out to a Givenchy fan site at 7:15 and asked if they knew the location…bingo bango…they sent me the address…and to my very good fortune it was in my arrondissement the 5th in my favourite place the Jardin des Plantes.  Because I walk my kids through this park everyday to go to school, I knew which gate would be open.  This allowed me to see the runway before the invitees arrived…as the sun was setting.

I even got an exclusive preview of the models taking a practice walk down the runway.  It was magical. (Click arrow to see video.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLEafb1gxWB/?taken-by=sewze

As 8 o’clock neared, I exited the park through the main gates where people were starting to arrive.  Against my better judgement I went to the VIP entrance and set myself up to get the shots.  However, according to Givenchy only 5 people were included as VIP’s and the fashion flocked to the side entrance….I missed the fashion.  But in exchange, I got to watch Anna Wintour arrive 2 feet away. (Click arrow to see video.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLEtknoAIZg/?taken-by=sewze

Sooooo fun.  I also got to see Courtney Love and Frances Bean arrive but my camera at this point gave up on me.  A few models later and then Kardashian mom the show started.  I had missed everything.  So I decided to wait out the 20 minutes until everyone left….this time I parked myself at the side entrance.  When the show was over the hustle to get out began.  Gigi Hadid and boyfriend Zayn Malick led the pack and because the press swarmed them, security ran to help leaving the moment for me to slip in passed Vogue’s Hamish Bowles, who I may have pushed a little and who may have scowled at me (sorry Hamish please feel free to come and do a story on my home and garden one day).  I was IN!!!!!!  I got to see everyone up close and delight in the fashion, however, they were all so fast leaving that I didn’t get any photos….AGAIN.  With  almost everyone gone, I was able to walk the runway by myself and read the names on the seats.  I wasn’t able to get backstage so I decided to wait under a lamp post until the models came out so I could get some shots of the makeup and hair.  DONE.  Then I saw Riccardo Tisci, designer extraordinaire of Givenchy, saying goodnight to some friends.  I took my chance and walked up to him.  He smiled and came right towards me.  I asked for a photo and he said no problem with a huge smile.  He was so lovely and warm.  He said good night and off he went into the park on his own…no fuss. No entourage.  So dear fashionistas, I don’t have many fashion shots from this show but I hope the insider look at the venue will suffice.  But don’t dismay, Stella McCartney was this morning and in full daylight.

I was able to at least capture this amazing coat and a side profile of model Natalia Vodianova.