There’s only two days to go until GFW19! Last year, 30,000 people attended across four days of GFW — including industry, media, buyers, celebrity judges and guests — to name only a few! It’s a great opportunity to meet people, gain a better understanding of the industry, and promote yourself and your work. Ensure you make the most of your time at event with our GFW Checklist!
1.Don’t forget your business cards!
It’s always a good idea to keep a handful of business cards on you during GFW — you never know who you’ll meet. Whether you’re connecting with other young fashion professionals, recruiters who take an interest in your work, or your favourite fashion editor, simply say “Can I give you my business card?” and you never know what might come of it! On the flip side, make sure you ask for the business cards of others you meet — sending them a short email after event is a great way of starting your career.
2. Visit our sponsor stands and get involved
We have 17 sponsor stands check out in the exhibition spaces — including Givenchy, LVMH, Farfetch, Tu, Jack Wills, Matalan, size?, Mothercare and many more! Each will be hosting different activities, competitions, CV surgeries and talks, all for you to get involved in! Want advice on polishing up your CV? Head to the Matalan stand. You’ll be able to customise a t-shirt with Jack Wills and hydro dip a pair of sneakers with size?
3. Check out the schedules to plan your time
The catwalk schedule, GFW Live! Talk Space schedule and the Considered Design Hub schedule is now live! Make a note of the shows and talks you want to see. We have an amazing group of speakers, hosts, experts in their fields coming to speak. You can see Hilary Alexander in conversation with Gok Wan, Henry Holland, Richard Quinn and Amy Powney from Mother of Pearl, hear representatives from brands like Farfetch, Tencel and Swarovski discuss sustainability, and learn about your legal rights at the Panel Talk: Fashion Law — Know Your Rights. Make sure you pipe up during the 15 minute question time after these talks to get answers to your burning career and fashion questions.
4. Follow us on social media
Make sure you’re following @officialgfw on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates on everything GFW! Whether it’s reminders about upcoming talks or shows, highlights from backstage, or takeovers from some of your favourite influencers, the GFW social media channels will keep you up to date during the event.
5. Bring your portfolio along
GFW19 is a great opportunity to show your work to prospective employers, but you shouldn’t just wait for them to find you. Bring your work with you to show brands as you explore the exhibition space to get feedback, tips and encouragement from those who have been there before and know what they’re looking for. If you have an iPad or tablet, why not upload some of your work to it so you can take it around event?