NYFW Part 1: From Winnipeg to the Runway

There’s something about the energy of New York that hits the second you land. But before the cab rides and iconic views, it all started in Winnipeg at 5AM, coffee in hand with my friend Tayler, and major butterflies in my stomach. Was I dreaming? We are heading to New York Fashion Week. Nope, somehow… this was real life!

Tuesday – Travel, hotel chaos, and the best view in Manhattan

We flew from Winnipeg to Toronto, then on to LaGuardia, and even though I was running on minimal sleep, my excitement carried me through. We landed and instantly snapped a few cute airport videos (so grateful to have my friend and marketing manager, Tayler with me for this trip!). The Uber ride into Manhattan was straight out of a movie. We saw cute brownstones, fire escapes, little shops on every corner. And all the fashion week signs. I couldn’t stop staring out the window! 

Our hotel journey was a bit of a saga. We started on the 7th floor with not much of a view. But loud renovation drilling had us moving not once, but twice. By the end, we landed in our final room on the 24th floor, and it was pure magic. The Empire State Building lit up right outside our window. Dream view. Dream moment ✨

We bundled up and went for a walk, just to take it all in. We randomly stumbled upon Madison Square Park and I swear, the city paused for a second. The lights, the architecture, the vibe, it felt like something sacred. We grabbed dinner at the original Shake Shack (yes, that one from one of my fav romcoms Something Borrowed) and I had the veggie shack burger which was incredible. It was the kind of simple, joyful evening you wish you could bottle up.

Later, we popped into Trader Joe’s, then wandered our neighbourhood before crashing back at the hotel. It was only day one, but it already felt like the trip of a lifetime.

   

Wednesday – Coffee, content, and Carrie Bradshaw energy

We kicked off the day with coffee at Joe & the Juice on Broadway, and honestly? Best coffee of the whole trip. After that, we hit the streets to shoot some content. The energy in the city was everything. I felt inspired, a little delulu in the best way, and beyond excited for what was coming.

We wandered around and ended up in Times Square, then Bryant Park, and finally stumbled upon the New York Public Library. I didn’t even realize we were standing in a spot from our fav Sex and the City until we looked it up later. It felt like the city was constantly offering little gifts!

We ended the day with happy hour (naturally), then dinner at Oscar Wilde—a dreamy, eclectic spot with the coolest atmosphere. The cauliflower wings were 10/10.

On the way home, we found a hidden ramen bar with individual booths meant for you to fully focus on your meal. It was such a cool concept and the food was 10/10, I’ll be thinking about forever.

Thursday – Photo shoots, Flying Solo, and full circle moments

I woke up feeling off, nauseous, stressed, just… off. I think the weight of NYFW was starting to settle in, and even though I didn’t want to let it get to me, it kind of did. But I pushed through. We grabbed coffee at Gregory’s, shot some content on the corner, and tried to shake it off.

I did a street-style photoshoot for the new collection with Tayler and even though I didn’t get all my looks in, we still got some amazing shots. NYFW was feeling very real, and I was starting to realize just how big this moment was.

Later that day, we made our way to Soho for dinner at Eataly, then headed across the street to see the Flying Solo store for the first time. Standing in front of that building gave me chills. I felt… proud. Like I actually belonged here.

That night was the official Flying Solo designer meeting. And wow. It was everything. We met so many amazing people. Amber (who’s a total powerhouse), Jasmine from NYC, the Wear ILA team, and so many other incredible designers. The Flying Solo staff made everyone feel so welcomed and supported. Elizabeth walked us through the weekend ahead, introduced the team, and handed out our NYFW badges and wristbands. It felt surreal.

   

I left feeling completely lit up. Like, I’m really here. I’m really doing this. We took the subway home (which I love, so easy and accessible), and randomly stumbled upon The Flatiron Room where we ended the night with live jazz and a glass of wine. Another perfect NYC moment. We finished with a quick bite at Cromptons and finally called it a night.

 

Coming up in Part Two: interviews, new designer besties, a life-changing reunion, and our first big NYFW party! Stay tuned 💫