A view from the sidelines (1)

Today * I returned to the Fashion merry-go-round. I went to see the off- Cibeles / off-MCFW, first collection of a yound duo: Alvarno. It was interesting to return after such a prolonged break. I felt like a well informed outsider. And that somehow, made me feel much more relaxed. There was no role playing needed. Being a freelance, you can be yourself - you do not have to represent the ideal of anyone else.

I was kindly sat on a comfortable Rococo cushioned seat and was delighted to discover my neighbour was a musician with more than a passing interest in fashion. We had a really entertaining conversation while waiting, which was refreshing in that it made me almost sad that there was just a half hour delay to the fashion show.

Generally I find those de rigeur delays absolutely horrid. I am a stickler for punctuality. Its in my genes. And normally the small talk these systematic delays engender is terribly dull or gossipy. I tend to sit quitely and observe, trying not to get drawn in to such conversations. So imagine how refreshing to be able to exchange opinions and discuss fashion with someone who loves it but does not work in it. I wish we had been able to exchange names or that I might have at least given her my card. (Note to self, in my friend Crix's voice (aka, my very own "Jemini Cricket") - I absolutely MUST get new cards made).

We parted ways cordially as we got up, me heading for the door ("no, not the cocktail," - to a waiter - "though I'm sure it is wonderful, thank you, just looking for the door"). I probably should have socialized more, but really, as I looked around I saw few people I knew, and none I really felt like catching up with (that may sound harsh, but its not. Its just a mood / energy level thing). I'd have loved to catch up with the girl who invited me to the show, but she was obviously over her head with work, so I'll call her up tomorrow and see if we can meet up some day soon for coffee.

If there's one thing I've discovered through out these 13 years in the business, its that I am quite happy being in the sidelines. You get a better perspective of the game from them, as opposed to being in the thick of it. Its the right place to be if you have to then tell the full story to others. You can see it all and yet keep your objectivity. In the same way, on a more personal level, I've discovered I'm more a coffee o lunch kind of person than a cocktail or gala dinner kind of professional. I enjoy one on one face time a thousand times better than an all out glamour crowd.

*Sorry this was from 18-02, it just took me some time to figure out the illustration I should add - no bonus points for originality - in the end I simply scanned my seat reservation...