Fashion Month may be the most well-known stretch of the industry’s calendar, but for most style pros, the runway merry-go-round never really stops. Between the Big Four (New York, London, Milan, and Paris) and a growing lineup of shows in Copenhagen, Shanghai, Lagos and beyond, editors, buyers, and stylists spend most of their year in motion, moving from Men’s to Couture to Ready-to-Wear to Cruise before the cycle starts again.
Here, top runway road warriors—those creative geniuses that keep the fashion wheel turning—share what’s in their fashion-week/month/year survival kits.
Leaf Greener, Editor, Creative Consultant, and Art Advisor
MANITO silk crystal eye mask: "Super soft and covers all the light, so I can sleep anywhere and anytime."
Edie Parker tassel earplugs: "Beautiful design. It reminds me of Holly Golightly."
Chanel tweed sunglasses: "No time for makeup––just wearing Chanel sunglasses is the best way to freshen up."
Tapper 18K-gold-plated AirPod case: "A piece of jewelry for AirPods. It’s the perfect match with all my different outfits during shows."
Pura Papa Ointment: "A quick fix for my dry lips and skin. This is a magic cream."
Stephen Ellcock's book Elements: "This was a gift from the writer. I always like the idea of bringing a book with me during fashion weeks."
Osama Chabbi, Stylist and Fashion Journalist
Electricity: “My power bank; otherwise, I can’t make a single review because fashion month is so HECTIC.”
Chanel Baume Essential: “This is a new thing I discovered recently from Chanel. It’s a transparent glow stick that gives you a healthy glow. It’s literally a balm for your cheekbones.”
Hat trick: “And a set of black caps; I only wear plain black caps.”
Paraboot Scottish-Thread Socks: “And high socks because I hate my ankles showing when I sit. They’re always from Paraboot.”
Vanessa Craft, Global Head of Content Partnerships, TikTok
The Essentials: “My oversized Victoria Beckham sunglasses and matcha shot for obvious reasons; Hermès notebook to add luxury to my everyday compulsive note taking; Chanel spritz, Kiko shadow stick, and Charlotte Tilbury eye gel for freshening up from day to night and a vanilla perfume [Nemat Vanilla Musk] with a comforting nod to my first fragrance, the iconic Body Shop vanilla!”
Shandi Alexander, Stylist
My Chanel 2022/23 Métiers d’art bag: "I usually carry my favorite little Chanel bag from the Metiers d'art Senegal Collection, as Senegal is my home away from New York home. I can't really fit that much in it, so I have to really edit what comes along with me. Full disclosure: in New York, I usually carry an extra tote in black to hold water and various other things, but in Paris, I rough it and deal all day with just my mini clutch on a chain."
AirPods: "More so to watch news updates on Threads than for listening to music."
Hi-Chew candy: "I discovered these while living in Japan many moons ago and love that they are in every corner deli now. I like sugar—a lot. So when I need a quick pick-me-up on the go, these are my go-to. They also help freshen breath."
Orbit Peppermint Gum: "At shows, you are sitting in a cramped space, literally breathing in the breath of the person next to you. If you've ever had to suffer sitting next to someone that doesn't have gum, you will never forget it. Hence, I try to always have gum in my mouth and on me."
Tula Glow and Get It Brightening Eye Balm: "I love these Tula under-eye balms. They give you an immediate feeling of coolness, which is very refreshing, plus they help moisturize and combat fine lines."
Dior Lip Gloss: "I'm obsessed. I own more than I know what to do with. I sleep with this stuff on."
An atomizer filled with Annick Goutal Petite Chérie: "Running around all day, a little spray of my favorite Annick Goutal makes me happy and keeps me fresh."
Red Edge Fixer Max Hold: "I wear a tight bun every day. All the time. This helps keep my baby hairs laid and back strays away."
Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Balm: "I basically just wear bronzer because I like to shine. I rub this all over when my skin starts to look a little dull. It moisturizes, has SPF 45 and hyaluronic acid."
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream: "It's winter, and my hands get dry, pale, and ashy. This is very effective, unscented, and non-oily. Plus, I got a ton of free samples from my son's dermatologist."
Zippo hand warmer/portable charger: "My husband bought me this random thing to use when we ski, but it's become a great city item. I'm always cold, and our phones run out of battery quite fast during FW because of Google Maps and taking videos."
BORING NOT COM, Anonymous Fashion Commentator
Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops: “They keep my skin glowing and healthy, especially after all the running around, sleepless nights, and one too many glasses of champagne and cocktails at fashion week events (which I try to avoid if possible).”
All-black Nike VaporMax: “Always in my bag, perfect for a quick run or keeping things casual at the shows. Ideal for a sore-feet day.”
A favorite scent: “I love masculine fragrances. Louis Vuitton, Rabanne, and Tom Ford are currently the best. I can always count on them to get at least one compliment a day. And let’s be honest, we all need a little ego boost now and then.
Hugo Boss leather jacket: “My current obsession keeps me warm and stops me from getting sick, something many experience during fashion week in Europe thanks to the unpredictable weather mixed with a serious lack of rest.”
All-black Hermès Kelly: “Goes with everything, always with a green Granny Smith apple inside.”
A crisp white shirt.
My Alaïa pumps.
A good pair of black sunglasses: “Because no one needs to know how tired I really am.”
Kelly Cutrone, Founder and CEO, People’s Revolution
The Prisoner Cabernet: “I’m already a prisoner of fashion week, so I drink this wine to reflect my state. Nothing like a little Cabernet at the end of the day.”
Acne boots: “I love them because they’re chic, they mean business, and they go from day-to-night, super tight!!”
Edibles from Dagmar Cannabis Dispensary: “Owned by my friend and former fashion photographer Jennifer Tzar. This is not only a good place for cannabis but also celebrity sightings. We like to go before fashion week and stock up. Let’s face it: seating charts are tedious. We’re picking up Jenny’s edible chocolates and the pineapple ginger heart-shaped edibles––perfect for Valentine’s Day! Let’s support female-owned businesses.”
The Y Code Well Kept Serum: “Truth be told, this is the ultimate undereye serum. Geared toward men, I grabbed it from my partner, and I can’t live without it. It’s tinted, and I don’t like to wear makeup. It also deals with puffy eyes.”
Augustinus Bader's The Face Oil: “I don’t have time for a seven-step skincare, so I swear by this face oil. Super hydrating, and I always buy it from my favorite pharmacy in New York, Bigelow. It’s a bit expensive at $260 but, in my opinion, worth every penny!”
Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses: ”I can’t live without shades, and I don’t like cheap sunglasses. These are the ultimate repellent to prevent me from having to make eye contact with seat crashers in the front row. Also, runway lights can be very blinding.”
Initio Parfums Privés Oud For Greatness: “Hands down, this is the most awesome fragrance I’ve ever owned, and I wear it daily. And the name gives me a little extra to make it through fashion week.”
Laure Dansou, Paris- and LA-based Makeup Artist
Mediheal radiance sheet mask plus Isdin Flavo-C serum: "The perfect duo for instantly hydrated and radiant skin, even with the stress and fatigue of Fashion Week."
A detox daikon and umeboshi tea: "This is a great way to flush out toxins and start the day with fresh energy. Drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. In a pot, combine a cup of spring water, a half-cup of finely-grated organic daikon, and half of an umeboshi (remove and discard the pit). Heat on low to medium heat for five minutes. Sip the liquid, then finish by eating the daikon and umeboshi.”
Neostrata Bionic Cream (for nighttime): "It keeps my skin deeply hydrated while gently exfoliating. Fatigue throws off the skin’s pH balance and leads to dead skin buildup, which is essential during fashion week."
An energizing smoothie: "Fashion week days are long and intense. Instead of giving in to sugar cravings that only increase fatigue, I go for a nourishing smoothie—moringa, chickpeas, brown rice, chia seeds, vanilla, rice milk, water—to sustain my energy all day."
Yoga and deep breathing: "Fashion week can be stressful, and yoga helps me keep my body relaxed and my mind calm. It’s my moment to reset and stay balanced throughout the week."
Gabriella Khalil, Founder and Creative Director of Palm Heights, Creative Director of WSA
Biologique Recherche Cryo-Sticks: “Fashion week is so hectic with shows and events. I use these cryo sticks every morning to re-set for the day and sometimes at night before I get ready for an event. (I keep mine in the freezer so they are extra cold).”
Kiehl's Lip Balm #1: “It is February, and I need lip balm all day long. I just started using this Kiehl's lip balm again and remembered how much I love it. I take it everywhere.”
Vyrao Magnetic 70 fragrance: “I love this grounding scent, and—even more—I love that it connects to positivity and protection.”
David Mallett, Hair Stylist and Founder of David Mallett
Comme des Garçons 71: "71 is the only perfume I wear. It's dry and like nothing else I’ve ever smelt. I spray my clothes with this perfume."
Maison Bonnet glasses: "My glasses are an extension of who I am, and I love the craftsmanship involved. They allow me to see, and they never leave my sight."
ASeriesof New Dawn Incense: "It lifts my spirit, makes me feel safe, and I love the clean sherbet smell. It’s absolutely positive and makes me feel at my house."
David Mallett FRESH Eau de Concombre: "I love my fresh cucumber spray. It’s like spring in a bottle or drinking Pimms or the sound of fizzy water. When I spread it on my hair and face on a plane, it wakes me up and makes me feel good."
Travel-size shampoo and conditioner: David Mallett Shampoo PURE and David Mallett Travel Kit Duo.
Yu Masui, Fashion Journalist
Bread and pastries and danishes: “This is not for physical health. Totally for mental health! I don’t usually eat bread. But I stay motivated with good croissants and pain au chocolat (also baguettes and sandwiches—anything available from boulangeries) during PFW. Another obsession is Danish pastries when I am at Scandinavian FWs.”
A special incense from Kyoto: “I am not religious or spiritual at all. But sometimes, I have spooky experiences at random hotels. So to avoid unnecessary stress!”
Low-fat, low-calorie snacks: “I work on deadlines till late. So I need some keeping-myself-up-and-going snacks. But during FWs, I can’t risk putting weight on!”
Ayaka Nihei, Makeup Artist
Herb Pharm Soothing Throat Spray: “When I start feeling a sore throat, I’ll spray twice. It tastes weird but works perfectly to relieve irritation. And no chemicals!”
SELALY Lumineux Glow Mist Lotion: “An easy hybrid mist-lotion for busy days. After a shower, before or after makeup, anytime during the day! Your skin will be firm and glowing.”
Odacite SPF 50 Tinted Mineral Drops Sunscreen: “The best tinted sunscreen that I have ever used. After skincare, you only need this to make your skin look naturally perfect. It’s sunscreen, foundation primer, and foundation, all in one drop. And it’s all mineral.”
Superegg Calm Movements Eye & Cheek Mask: “This is a mask for tired and dry skin. I’ve used so many different types of sheet masks, and it’s rare to find one that’s fragrance-free.”
Vimergy Micro-C Capsules: “According to my friend/fashion stylist/supplement master Jenny Haapala, Vimergy is one of the best supplement brands. I normally try to get nutrition from food and don't get sick. But when I’m super busy, it’s good to add Vitamin C for immune support.”
Omayma Ramzy, Makeup Artist
Omayma Skin Active Rejuvenation Oasis Serum: “I cannot, cannot, cannot live without this every single morning. It’s an instant perk up for my skin and keeps it supple, bright, and bouncy. It’s a master formulation!”
Elf Glow Reviver Lip Oil in Hot As Fudge: “This looks so good on me and everyone, no matter the occasion, with or without a full face of makeup. It’s quite possibly the best $8 I’ve spent in a long time.”
Jade Leaf Matcha: “It comes in these really easy packets, and it’s ceremonial grade. I’m a licensed esthetician, and sadly, coffee fatigues my adrenals, which, in turn, causes me acne and premature aging through dehydration. So I made the matcha swap, and I have to say I cannot live without these matcha packets on the go at any moment.”
My black boots: “Despite being four inches, they are insanely comfortable, and I’ve had them for years. Thank you, Kurt Geiger!!”
Sunglasses: I’ve got too many pairs and still never seem to have enough around. I can’t exist without my sunglasses, especially when I’m jet lagged!
Rachna Shah, Global CEO, KCD
Lemon water: “Number one in my wellness plan is to drink a full glass of lemon water when I get up—such a simple thing, but I finally committed to it, and I feel so much better heading into the day.”
MBR Face Cream Smooth 100: “Cayli Cavaco Reck of Knockout Beauty introduced me to this MBR cream over Covid when I wore no makeup and had lots of time for skin care. It is a game changer—perfect for all seasons, and it activates from an anti-aging perspective without irritating my skin.”
Lip Combo: “I am obsessed with the combo of the Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola Tinted Lip Balm and the Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm. The tinted lip balm delivers some daytime color while keeping my lips from drying out, And the Hourglass adds more color for night or events. I wear a lot of black during fashion week, so adding color this way brightens me up.”
Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Sous Le Sable: “A neutral palette, so I can go day to night since I never have a chance to stop and put on makeup.”
Barebells Cookies & Cream Protein Bar: “I was never a fan of protein bars—they were too full of sugar, got stuck in my teeth, or just tasted so dry. But the Barebells Cookies & Cream bar is perfect for on-the-go.”
Lauren Sherman, Chief Fashion Correspondent, Puck
Flow water: “I don't know what it is about this water—probably all psychosomatic—but I swear it keeps me more hydrated than other water. I buy it in bulk.”
Henné Luxury Lip Balm V2: “This is the only balm I've ever used that works to cure dry, chapped lips. I also buy this in bulk.”
Hermès Satin Lipstick in Rose: “I don't wear a lot of makeup, but I almost always wear lipstick. I also buy this in bulk.”
A Podcast: “I spend a lot of time on trains and walking around during the shows, so I tend to burn through podcasts pretty fast. A fashion month favorite is Acquired, a long-form podcast about how successful companies really get built.”
Sleep: “I know it's tough, but I truly believe a good night's sleep is the answer to a lot of our problems!”
Romy Soleimani, Makeup Artist
A protein shake: “I try to start my day with a protein shake. I use standard process protein, frozen blueberries, a hemp/flax/chia mix, collagen, Armra for gut and immunity, maca powder, and I have recently started adding a little creatine for cognitive health. This starts my day off right, and I’m ready for the day. Followed by a black coffee with some dates.”
Pic’s Peanut Butter Slugs: “A perfect clean protein hit. These save me when I’m running between shows, on the way to events, and traveling.”
Re-Lyte electrolytes: “I make a huge effort to stay hydrated, something that has been a struggle for me in the past. Electrolytes make me feel great. My body craves the salt. Daphne Javitch of Doing Well got me hip to Re-Lyte as it’s a better quality pink Himalayan salt. I carry around a huge Yeti bottle with water mixed with a Re-Lyte packet. And it makes me feel great!”
