New York Fashion Week
Recap
You know that feeling—the one right before you step into a space alone. Maybe it’s a networking event, a work function, a conference, or even a new city. You take a deep breath, adjust your outfit, and for a split second, doubt creeps in.
“Do I really belong here?”
“What if I don’t know anyone?”
“Will this even be worth it?”
At New York Fashion Week (NYFW), I had the opportunity to witness a powerful lesson that extended far beyond the runway. It was a reminder that attending NYFW is not just about clothes—it’s about how you carry yourself and the energy you bring into a room. The women who stood out weren’t just those with the most elaborate outfits. Instead, it was the women who owned their space and moved with purpose. These women showed up not waiting for permission, not hesitating or shrinking back, but stepping into their full power as if they had always belonged.
This lesson resonated deeply, especially in moments where I saw women introducing themselves confidently at networking events and starting conversations without hesitation. They didn’t need to wait for an invitation to take up space—they stepped in fully, and in doing so, they created their own opportunities. Their success came from not waiting for the “right” time, but from trusting themselves and their abilities.
The women who left a lasting impact at NYFW didn’t just wear clothes—they embodied them, exuding confidence, strength, and purpose with every step they took. And that’s the real lesson here: confidence doesn’t come from waiting for everything to align perfectly. It comes from deciding, right in that moment, that you will show up as the most confident version of yourself. They understood that their presence was enough, and that what they wore was simply an extension of the confidence they carried within.
Let’s be real—spaces like NYFW are exclusive. You do need an invitation. You do need access. But here’s the part that most people don’t talk about: once you’re in the room, how you show up determines what happens next. Plenty of people get access, but not everyone makes an impact. It’s easy to assume that once you get in the room, the work is done. But true influence comes from how you navigate that space—who you connect with, how you carry yourself, and the value you bring to the table.
The lesson?
So instead of just focusing on getting a seat at the table, ask yourself: How are you showing up once you get there? Because access alone isn’t enough—your energy, your intention, and your confidence are what make the difference.
Lesson: If you’re waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect amount of experience, the perfect skillset before you take a chance on yourself—you’ll be waiting forever. The opportunity isn’t in the invitation. It’s in the showing up.
If you’re waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect amount of experience, the perfect skillset before you take a chance on yourself—you’ll be waiting forever. The opportunity isn’t in the invitation. It’s in the showing up.
So once you show up with intention. It’s important that you show up with confidence, because it’s a choice you make every single time you enter a room.
There were women who walked into events wearing the most eye-catching, high-fashion outfits—yet their energy was hesitant, unsure, as if they weren’t convinced they should be there. And then there were women who wore something simple but carried themselves with an unshakable sense of self. Guess who stood out?
Confidence isn’t about waiting to feel powerful. It’s about deciding, in that moment, that you are.
Confidence is a daily commitment:
Because the way you carry yourself dictates how others receive you. You set the standard for how you want to be treated. If you move like you belong, people will assume you do.
Lesson: The right people, the right rooms, and the right moves won’t always be handed to you. Most times, you have to create your own opportunity by showing up and making yourself known.
I saw women at NYFW wearing the trendiest, most expensive pieces, yet they blended into the background. And then there were women who wore something effortless—maybe a structured blazer, a sleek monochrome look, or a statement accessory—and owned it.
That’s when I realized: it’s not just the clothes that make a statement. It’s the way you wear them. Think about it. The most well-dressed person in the world won’t leave an impact if they shrink into the background. But someone with undeniable presence can turn heads in something as simple as a white tee and jeans.
Your style is an extension of you—but confidence is what makes it unforgettable.
There were moments at NYFW where I looked around and realized just how much work is still left to do. Most noticeably, very little natural hair on the runway. Beauty and professionalism are still too often defined by European standards. It was a reminder that representation isn’t just important—it’s necessary.
But here’s the thing: our presence is powerful. When we show up as our full, selves, we aren’t just opening doors for ourselves—we’re creating space for the women coming after us. Representation isn’t about being the only one in the room. It’s about making sure you’re not the last one in the room.
Whether you wear locs, braids, curls, or a sleek bun, your hair is more than just hair—it’s a statement, a presence, a story. And every time we show up fully in who we are, we challenge outdated expectations and push the industry forward.
The goal has never been to be the only one. The goal is to show up so that others know they can, too.
Leaving NYFW, I realized: confidence isn’t something you wait for. You decide to have it. If you take nothing else from this, remember this:
Because confidence isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you wear it, how you move, how you carry yourself, and how you show up—unapologetically.
And that? That will always be more powerful than anything you put on.
A great outfit can be incredibly empowering. But on the flip side, there’s nothing that can put me in a worse mood than wearing something that just doesn’t feel right.
Yellow Coat | Sunglasses | Bag | Booties
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