mbfw f/w 2012 - new york

(27 seconds): Lacoste's show started out with this light show with a snow globe apparatus thing in the middle. It's funny how I pull out my iPhone just before the show starts to take this video. I almost forget to take pictures.

(22 seconds): Lacoste finale.

(17 seconds) Carlos Miele's show. I only got the first part since I had to take photos, but the rest of the show was just like a party. There were 2 DJs up front and it was probably one of the most fun shows/music I've seen in a fashion runway show. Wish I had more video footage because the song was awesome.

Unlike the previous fashion weeks in New York, this time, I had a few friends come along - Jennifer Harlow, Lais Lacher, Lisa Klein, Anastasia Lambrou, Jennifer Field, and Kristin Lyle. It was great to have someone to talk to while waiting in line for the shows and also for someone to hang out with afterwards. I actually went to an after party at a rooftop bar, lunch with Debra Messing (she was there so that counts, right?), met a friend who lives in London and had lunch with her, brunch at the Mercer Kitchen in Soho, a private tour of the American Ballet Theatre studio, and of course photographing the latest collections from some of the top designers around the world.

Of course this sounds awesome, which it was, but I probably would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't so sick! I started to feel sick before I left for NY, and by Friday night, I had completely lost my voice. I couldn't talk and when we were at dinner, I had to type on my phone to show what I was saying. I'm not sure what I had, but fortunately, I didn't have a fever or anything else worse. A runny nose, major unfashionable phlegm, and no voice for two days.

I almost got in a throwdown with this photographer from Elle magazine. He was so arrogant and stood in front of me while standing on a box. This eliminated any chance of me getting any sort of shot. I told him he couldn't do that. And all he said was "Oh yes, I can." I was screaming but nothing was coming out. It was comedy. In the end, I prevailed and he let me switch with him. These photographers think they're so entitled. Let's face it - it's great to be shooting runway, but we're not exactly shooting a cover for Vogue Italia. So don't act all Mario Testino on me. On the other hand, I have met some nice and friendly folks in the pit (CNN and Getty Images photographers).

Afterwards, everyone was so stoked and wants to take Fashiontographer to another level - mainly so that they can get invited to more shows - and actually have seats, instead of standing. The more important they think you are, the better your seats.

I'm totally all for it so hopefully next time, the Fashiontographer name will mean something more to PR folks and designers. I'm pretty pleased considering that 7 people came with Fashiontographer. We even got invited to the Christian Siriano fashion show and I didn't even request for a ticket. I'm assuming they got my name through the Press list at MBFW, but since Siriano was showing offsite, I couldn't go to the show with my press badge. So it was great that we were invited without even requesting one. Kristin ended up going to the show and she said it was awesome.

Regardless, it was definitely fun and I can't wait to bring even more people to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York.

Shows I photographed this season, in order.

Nicole Miller
Charlotte Ronson
Ruffian
Lacoste
Jill Stuart
Mara Hoffman
Hervé Léger by Max Azria
Vantan Tokyo
Monique Lhuillier
Venexiana
Tracy Reese
Custo Barcelona
Diane Von Furstenberg
Falguni & Shane Peacock
Carolina Herrera
Carlos Miele
Reem Acra
Norisol Ferrari
Badgley Mischka
Vera Wang

Anna Wintour spotted at Carolina Herrera's show. I hope I never take this shot for granted.

In line for the Vantan Tokyo show. The lady is asking if we're on the "priority" list. Typically, I'm not on any list, but for some reason, I was on the list for this show. So I got to go inside before the other photographers. Anastasia is trying to convince the person she's on the list too. She was not. Oh yeah, the lady in the black frames behind us is also a turd. One time, I beat her to her spot (it's anybody's spot) and she started making excuses and making up stuff like the spot is just for people with tripods and I had a monopod. She then had another friend asking me if I was "shooting". I said, yes, I'm taking pictures. Wait, you're NOT shooting? WTF did I just tell you? That was so hilarious, but I was so sick I almost threw up on her face.

Hanging out at the Plunge Rooftop Bar @ Hotel Gansevoort with Anastasia and Lais.

Plunge Rooftop Bar @ Hotel Gansevoort. Not sure why they gave me a bottle of soysauce (I think). But whatever.

Lunch at EATALY with Tia and Jen. Tia used to work at BoConcept but moved to London. She travels all the time with her husband. She happened to be in NY during the same weekend so when she saw my Facebook post about me being in NY, she told me we should have lunch. This was on the SAME day as my post. When she found out Jen was there too, she was ecstatic, and Jen herself couldn't wait to get on her flight. We all ended up meeting at EATALY with Jen coming straight from the airport - luggage and all.

Lots of photographers are outside taking photos of people going in and out of shows.

I like train tickets that say New York.

Flowers in front of Rachel Zoe's fashion presentation. I wasn't invited to the show, but I did see Rachel Zoe while I was sitting at a bar eating a cheeseburger. I decided not to put down the cheeseburger just to take her picture. Priorities. It's not like it was Valentino.