Stilettos, Styling Editorials, Supermodels and a BIG birthday wish!

Runway shows, afterparties and greeting people with two kisses on each cheek (mwah, mwah). I was ready to take on the biggest week in elite society: London Fashion Week. My overpacked marble suitcase in hand, wearing footwear most would consider “impractical” for any big city. Ready to lug my entire body’s weight of stilettos, accessories and clothes with the physical strength of a pinecone. Wearing brown knee-high stiletto heels and my bell-sleeved, high-neck mini dress.

My heart is pounding faster than the digital clocks cheering for me. It’s a race: me and Waterloo train station. My whole year has led up to this moment. On my right, there are giant digital clocks with train times on- to me, they are just displaying how little time I have to rush to each event. I was met with escalators, broken lifts and a lot of stairs. This could be a problem, considering I often shake while picking up a carton of milk, and my suitcase weighs more than I do. But it’s no problem. Not for me. I've been accidentally levitating my suitcase for years. All I seem to do is look absolutely petrified and confused, and in sheer panic, stand by any staircase in Waterloo train station- and two seconds later, a kind strong man appears. Then my suitcase levitates. "Wingardium Leviosa".

There’s a rush you get from being in a big, beautiful city knowing you are there for Fashion Week. There’s a sense of “this is what I dreamed of as a kid.” To describe it for those who watch Harry Potter: you feel like a secret wizard amongst muggles. You feel magic, like you have a secret power. Not the kind that summons handymen or levitates suitcases, but the kind that gets you free champagne and free clothes. A girl’s dream.

My birthday always falls on September Fashion Week. It’s as if God thought, “You’ll love fashion- let’s make your birthday a day you’re bound to receive free things and parties you don’t have to plan.” My birthday is the following day. This was the last day of the “old me.” I knew I had to go into the new year big (a pressure I often put on myself around ageing and accomplishing my goals). I promised myself I’d be kinder to myself.

I threw my luggage into the hotel room and ran, ran in my heels as fast as I could to get to my train. It’s funny, all that manic rushing to try to look cool and nonchalant the second you step out of the station you’re meant to be in. I strutted around the corner heading to the event, and fashion photographers surrounded me, taking photos of me. I fantasised about being famous as I heard the clicks around me. Pretending to be famous is a hobby I want everyone to experience.

My first event I was invited to was with H&M and Perfect Magazine. Walked in; to see the editor-in-chief of Perfect Magazine (Katie Grand). A media mogul. Alongside racks of the new H&M collection, a photoshoot set and hair and makeup and other creatives. Usually, I'm the only stylist on set, but seeing a group of us, I suddenly felt like I was on the tv show Project Runway. How exciting, were all assigned a model and freedom to style one for the shoot.

My model looked like a porcelain doll with giant ethereal hair. She looked like the fairies I grew up reading about. I wanted to focus on textures while not taking away from her natural beauty.

"CAN WE NOT JUST DRESS THE MODELS, BUT DO ANYTHING DIFFERENT WITH THE CLOTHES?" I heard a creative director express. Rolling his eyes at everyone, just putting clothes on the models.

So I grabbed a turtleneck jumper and flipped it upside down to create a slouchy, off-the-shoulder but cinched-at-the-waist look. Finally, I saw a side head tilt and smirk- a light nod of approval as he waltzed around.

Talking with Katie Grand and other huge media icons, I was asked if they’ll see me at the runway after party later. Yes, of course, I'll see you there. (I mean, I didn't think I was invited, but sure.)

Just as I was leaving to head to a Michael Kors event, there she was. One of my favourite supermodels of all time. ALEX CONSANI! Heading towards hair and makeup for the H&M Fashion Show later. She was so lovely. Stopped to take a photo with me and told me how lovely it was to meet me. Ugh, I love her. People say, "Don't meet your heroes". (They weren't talking about Alex Consani) I’ve met a few celebs in my life, and Alex was by far the kindest, most radiant person.

Rushing from one networking event, a photoshoot, fashion shows, parties to the next, Wizzing through incoming human traffic, speeding past busy Londoners near Oxford Street. Passing my favourite stores. But this was no time to shop. It was time to network.

I was at the front door of an event for Michael Kors and Elle magazine - a networking event with a DJ set, free drinks and a showroom filled with clothes. (I know, pinch me) When I felt God say, "turn around, go back to the runway show", and the gut magnet in my stomach that comes with it. But I've just got here? I asked God, just to be sure.

I assumed Jesus had a birthday present for me, and I should listen.

I took one last look at the doors of this event before I headed straight to the H&M Fashion Show. Which had a surprise performance from Lola Young. It was amazing! I tried to rush to meet her to get a video message for my best friend, who happens to be her biggest fan.

Being surrounded by my favourite influencers, fashion and media icons, I was ready to mingle and make friends.

This was going to be one of the biggest after parties this Fashion Week. My dream has always been to experience being in New York's famous celebrity club "Studio 54" in the 80's. This may be London, and this may not be Studio 54- but this is exactly what I imagine the 80's to be. Dance circle with people voguing inside, a huge DJ and people slapping hand fans out then waving their faces with them. Strangers complimenting each other's outfits and coming to dance with me. I may not be Cher or Candace Bushnell(the Original Carrie Bradshaw) or any of the Studio 54 icons. But better, I'm the girl who flipped a jumper upside down and is now dancing with supermodels, CEOS, Editors-in-Chief, Influencers, and journalists. I was being “shown off” and introduced to important people in the industry as "Elsie Pearce" the stylist for the shoot, earlier."

Oh, and did I mention it was a free open bar? The party so good, the heels came off and dancing in socks- AT FASHIONWEEK. This "I don't care energy" made me very popular with influential people. Who also just wanted to have fun.

Some people see this industry as shallow. That couldn't be further from the truth. Were all children who never grew out of playing "dress up". Were kids who lined our Beanie Babies in a row and took photos of them on disposable 90's cameras. (maybe that was just me?)

For many people, fashion has been the thing that's given the courage to leave the house, get their dream job, leave unhealthy relationships. Fashion is a chance to play. To remind ourselves we are all worth being heard, worth being seen. Everyone looked so different to each other, but everyone was so accepting of each other. Every one of us has felt like an outsider, all creative weirdos that chose not to follow the crowd and listen to our own voice. A voice most were once bullied for. And in turn found our own crowd; we all found this beautiful thing called fashion. We’re all fabulous. That is what the fashion industry is about: unapologetic expression, owning your space, being misunderstood and most importantly, love.

As the countdown to midnight (and my birthday) happened, "Happy Birthday Elsie" and kisses on both cheeks were in full commotion. Strangers sang me happy birthday, I received extra party H&M Gift bags with free things inside and a H&M Voucher to go shopping with. I danced into my new age. Took polaroid photos and admired how far I have come.

I eventually returned to my city view hotel room by myself, deliberately leaving the curtains open so I could see the city sparkle. Thinking every light in every building are people with dreams too, Friends I'd never met before. I smiled at the ceiling. This may not be New York yet, and I may not be everything I wanted but dam, I'm pretty close.