This Is What Fashion Week Really Looks Like (Yes, It's That Crazy)

If you imagine fashion week as a glamorous whirlwind of air kisses and billowing chiffon, you'd kind of be right. However, there's another side to the month-long city-hopping extravaganza that can only be summed up in one word: chaos. From arranging the schedules through to being in situ, but actually needing to be in four other locations at the same time, while Snapchatting, writing reports, locating other staff members and not stacking it in 4-inch heels amidst a cyclone of street style photographers who are hunting down their prey… it is, utter, exhausting, crazy, crazy-fun chaos. 

One photographer who has been capturing the madness—by slightly stepping out of it—is Phill Taylor. So for every perfectly composed street style shot you may enjoy, we guarantee there's a story (or five) behind it. From the truly mad (giant furry Fendi mascots on the streets of Milan) to the common-but-still-insane ways fashion-dedicated girls approach the weather (yes, I've witnessed jelly sandals in 24-degrees Celcius at New York Fashion Week), we're taking a moment to show you the other side of the process. The side where hailing a taxi is comparable to climbing Everest, near-death experiences are normal if someone like Kanye West gets out of a limo near you, or where street style stars have been known to change outfits up to (and probably above) 12 times a day, in the back of a van. 

So here's what goes down at Fashion Week—wish us luck and stay posted to get the inside scoop when everything kicks off on September 8.

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

Caroline Issa getting captured by 101 street style photographers.

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

So *that's* why reflective shades are so good—Anna Dello Russo knows her stuff.

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

And this is what happens with Chiara Ferragni turns up.

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

Lena Perminova walks away from the crowds during PFW.

Related: Copenhagen Fashion Week's Hippest 27 Outfits

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

Catherine Baba often rides into fashion week on a bicycle—in major stilettos, sunglasses and a hat at all times.

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

Like a Smart car made for Milan Fashion Week? We want one.

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

Off-duty models often hop on motorbikes, but there's something savvy about a skateboard.

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

When statement shoes just aren't enough.

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

This was months before Pokémon Go was even on the radar. Gotta catch the trends first.

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

Just. Look. At. The. Human. Next. To. This.

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

You never know who you might grab a snap of…

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

And on your left, we have Ulyana Sergeenko dressed as a Russian fairytale princess.

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

Yup, that's Natalia Vodianova in the scrum.

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

Crop tops + snow = ideal.

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

Street style photographers will recycle all of your unwanted plastic bags.

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(Image credit: Phill Taylor)

Freezing temperatures never stop the fun, although Buffalo boots on ice make us feel rather nervous…

Find out the secrets of the street-style famous with these top tips for looking good in photos.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.