Fashion Week from an Outsider’s POV: The Fantasy, the FOMO, and the Reality Check

Fashion Week is here, and our feeds are already buzzing with Kit Butler’s iconic runway appearance at Dolce & Gabbana FW25 and Hollywood’s biggest A-listers stealing the spotlight at Prada’s Fall 2025 Menswear show. The energy can be felt in the air, even through a screen, as the fashion capitals of the world turn into of creativity and high fashion. However, in the midst of the glitz and Instagram-worthy scenes, it’s common to experience a hint of FOMO.

Before you get caught up in the perfectly curated chaos, let’s pause for a moment. Fashion Week is more than just exclusive front-row seats and stunning afterparties; it’s a display of artistic talent designed to inspire everyone. Instead of getting caught up in the FOMO of it all, why not take a step back and use the creativity and brilliance of these runway looks as inspiration for your personal OOTD storyboard, all from the comfort of wherever you are?

What Happens Behind the Runway?
The allure of a Fashion Week show is undeniable. As the lights lower and the music rises, a whole new world comes to life on the runway. Designers tell stories through their fabrics, showcasing daring ideas for the future of fashion and culture. It’s an extraordinary event that captivates with its remarkable artistry. And, for those of us tuning in from home, we can still enjoy the magic. With today’s technology, the most stunning visuals are only a click away. Plus, you have the advantage of pausing, rewinding, and appreciating every detail without a feathered hat obstructing your view.

But the glitz and glamour we see on our screens is only part of the story. Beneath this illusion lies a world of constant deadlines, demanding schedules, and immense pressure to stay relevant. While Fashion Week celebrates creativity and talent, it also operates as a high-stakes commercial machine, promoting not just collections but a lifestyle of aspiration and exclusivity. Every runway presentation is a meticulously crafted marketing message, designed to make headlines and ultimately find its way into people’s shopping carts.

Peeling back the layers of these shows reveals the untold stories of struggle, resilience, and relentless ambition that fuel the entire machine. Before Daniel Roseberry took on the role of Creative Director at Schiaparelli and transformed the brand with his striking, surreal designs, he faced the difficulties of entering the fashion industry as an outsider. Hailing from Texas and aspiring to haute couture, Roseberry dedicated years to working behind the scenes at Thom Browne, honing his skills and finding his unique style. His path was far from glamorous, marked by self-doubt, long hours, and the hard work that often goes unnoticed in a designer’s journey. His experience serves as a reminder that the stunning creations we admire on the runway are typically the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.

Another example of relentless hard work and perseverance is John Galliano. In early 1994, he was struggling financially, sleeping on a friend’s floor, and far from the glamour of Fashion Week. However, with the support of generous friends like hat designer Stephen Jones, muse Amanda Harlech, and Parisian hostess São Schlumberger—who offered him her hôtel particulier as a workspace—he managed to create his career-defining Fall 1994 collection. By blending Japanese kimonos with 1940s-inspired tailoring, Galliano’s talent truly stood out. A year later, he made history as the first British designer to head a French couture house at Givenchy, proving that determination and creativity can transform even the toughest situations into runway success.

It’s easy to romanticize Fashion Week when all we see are glittering invites, star-studded front rows, and the undeniable aura of unattainable luxury. But behind all this lies a more complex reality. Fashion Week is as much about business as it is about artistic expression. Each stunning show serves as a strategic marketing effort, designed not only to highlight innovative ideas but also to promote a lifestyle, ignite desire, and inspire ambition. Behind the glamour lies tight deadlines, intense pressure, and constant effort, where passion often intertwines with the pursuit of success.

Rather than getting caught up in the FOMO of it all, let’s change our perspective. Fashion Week is a tribute to creativity, and we don’t need to be in the front row to feel its enchantment. The true essence of fashion is found in its ability to generate ideas and inspiration, whether through a bold new color or a silhouette that challenges the norm. The key question is: Are we genuinely valuing fashion for its ingenuity and artistry, or are we merely buying into a commercial fantasy presented to us from the runway?

Image Credit: Gucci