Four Broke-Ass Ways to Enjoy New York Fashion Week S/S 2013 FREE!

New York Fashion Week is an exciting time in the city. Even though it happens twice a year every year, that’s more often then your birthday, everyone gets all a titter about it. The fashion industry is notorious for its penchant for luxury and exclusivity. You shouldn’t let these things surpress the Coco Chanel living deep inside the cavernous cave of frugality that defines us all. Here are some ways to celebrate NYFW that’s not the crowded, hectic, bridge & tunnel-ified Fashion’s Night Out. (To its credit it IS an interesting experience to do once. But if you’re anything like me, that was enough. Some fashionistas can be bad enough, but a slew of aspiring ones clomping down the street menacingly in their “fiercest” heels can be overwhelming.)

1. Empire Hotel Rooftop
Friday September 7th, drink specials until 11pm
Free, all night, just mention that you’re on the
Velvet List at the door
44 West 63rd Street
[Upper West Side]

The New York skyline institution, the Empire Hotel, hosts FREE Fridays on their rooftop, but this week at 11pm there will be a special fashion show to attend in celebration of NYFW. There are drink specials until 11pm, so there’s no shame in getting there early to check it out. Regardless the party and the show itself are FREE, but just make sure you mention the “Velvet List” at the door.

2. JF & Son Spring/Summer 2013
Saturday, September 8th, 7:00pm
Free
Museum of Art & Design, 2 Columbus Circle
[Upper West Side]

What’s Fashion Week without attending a show? New York based fashion company JF & Son are starting a residency at the Museum of Art & Design, and are celebrating with a FREE exhibition of their latest designs. The museum’s website recommends that you book tickets in advance, since space is limited. I checked out JF & Son’s website, and their stuff looks pretty cool. It is most definitely on trend, and the men’s collection has some wild prints that I’m sure would look great on the runway.

3. GenArt 14th Annual Fresh Faces in Fashion
Sunday, September 9th, 2012
Pier 57, 15th & Hudson River Greenway
[Meatpacking]

So you’re definitely going to have to look into this immediately if you’re interested. How would you like to volunteer at New York Fashion Week? The GenArt show is a great one to go to as well. It features the work of up-and-coming designers, and who knows who is going to take off into fashion stardom afterwards. Sure it’s work, but you’ll more than likely get to attend a coveted after-party. Volunteering at fashion week is a great way to see how the shows work too.

4. NYFW Live Streams
Friday, September 7th – Thursday, September 13th (various times)
Your home/office/bar with Wi-Fi
[The Internet]

Unless you’re awesome at gate crashing/you don’t have anywhere to be during the day, chances are you’re not going to be attending the hottest shows at fashion week. Aha! But there’s a way you can still participate in all the glamour as it happens. Many designers live stream their shows and there’s a comprehensive listing over at fab fashion blog Fashionista. Watch the shows online, and even host your own after parties with your friends or by yourself at your favorite home/bar/park bench/boss’s executive style roll-y chair.

Photo Credit: Fashionologie