In an attempt to reduce phone usage, I acquired a second mobile device: my first phone is dedicated to essential apps like Gmail and maps, while the second houses social media and shopping apps. I primarily use the first phone daily, leaving the second unused in a drawer. This effort to disconnect highlights a growing desire for offline experiences, particularly in industries reliant on digital engagement.
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Earlier this year, fashion influencer Emily Dawn Long hosted a no-phones fashion week party, which gained considerable attention. A few seasons prior, the fashion label The Row requested attendees to forgo phones at its Paris show, providing Midori notepads instead. However, many attendees view phones as essential for capturing and sharing moments from the shows. The question remains whether a completely phone-free fashion week is feasible.
To test this idea, I embarked on a 24-hour no-phone experiment during this season of Fashion Week. I prepared by gathering alternative tools: my Contax camera with film for photography, a Tag Heuer watch to keep track of time, and memorized directions for navigation, along with a notepad to jot down thoughts.
My first stop was the Miu Miu Club on Friday evening. I encountered the challenge of not being able to text friends that I was running late. Fortunately, familiarity with the location made it easy to find. Despite running into acquaintances, I lost track of time and forgot the dinner location. This led me to pull out my phone for a brief check, revealing a stream of messages asking about my whereabouts and directing me to a lengthy commute back downtown.
Later, I arrived at a dinner hosted by Gemma Chan, CULTURED, and Bloomingdale's, only to discover my film camera was malfunctioning. After some troubleshooting, I finally managed to shoot a few worthwhile pictures, although I missed having immediate access to shareable moments.
On Saturday morning, after a late night, I had to use my phone to call an Uber for a Dolce&Gabbana Beauty preview. This set a less-than-ideal tone for my day. At the event, I became aware of running late again and felt the pressure of balancing excitement and the need to document my experiences without my phone.
At the Vettese show, I felt the familiar allure of capturing every moment. The absence of my phone reminded me of the rapid pace of fashion week, where timing is crucial for making connections and sharing experiences.
Reflecting on the day, I managed several hours without my phone but found the experience inconvenient at times. I faced challenges when my friends were unreachable, and I had to ask strangers for the time. In the fast-paced environment of fashion week, not being able to respond or capture moments added an unexpected layer of anxiety.
Ultimately, while the notion of being offline as a luxury is appealing, it may not be practical for everyone. As someone engaged in an industry centered around digital presence, I found that detaching from my phone during fashion week was difficult. While I witnessed moments with my own eyes, the inability to share or document immediately left me feeling guilty after being graciously hosted.
Despite the challenges, I still aspire to a life less dependent on devices. Observing Lynn Yaeger at the Coach show, notebook in hand and phone absent, reminded me of the joy of experiencing fashion directly. In an era dominated by screens, the true luxury may lie in embracing moments with full attention.