Looking for ways to participate in NYFW? If you are an independent designer considering NYFW, remember that the official schedule is only one aspect of the week. Numerous independent showcases, buyer previews, and industry events run concurrently, granting valuable opportunities for emerging brands to build relationships. It is a great way to network, see what's out there, and get inspired for your own work....read on to see what ifd has up it's sleeve!

From an early age, I was drawn to both creativity and consciousness—long before those were buzzwords. My mom, a talented seamstress & crafter, taught me to sew and create with my hands. I made my own clothes, chose my fabrics, and dreamed of models walking the runway while standing in small-town fabric shops in Minnesota. My dad was a Professor & Environmentalist, who recycled before anyone else did—back when it was seen as 'hippie & granola,' and not the norm.

I was in my mid-20s, thrilled to be immersed in the fashion epicenter of New York City. Working hard and building a name for myself, and climbing the ladder. But behind the scenes, I was overwhelmed, burned out, and silently wondering if I'd survive in a role I was so passionate about at the expense of my health. Moreover, I felt I had nowhere to turn: no mentors, no guidance, and no community. Bosses & colleagues were more like competitors than team members Devil Wears Pra