Lagos Fashion Week may be over, but the real business of building relationships starts afterwards. For fashion stylists, following up with designers, photographers, brands, models and industry professionals is essential to turning meaningful conversations into future collaborations and paid opportunities.
In this guide, Booked & Branded by MAYREEJAY shares practical tips for following up professionally, nurturing industry connections and keeping your fashion career moving long after the runway lights go out.
1: FOLLOW UP AFTER FASHION WEEK: The conversation does not end when the runway lights go off. Many valuable relationships begin at Fashion Week but develop through consistent communication afterwards. A timely, personalised follow-up helps people remember who you are and provides a natural way to continue a conversation.
Thank the person for their time, refer to something specific you discussed and, where appropriate, suggest a practical next step. Avoid sending generic messages to everyone you meet.
A helpful tip will bw to follow up within a few days while the interaction is still fresh. If you discussed a collaboration, send a concise proposal or portfolio link relevant to that conversation.
2: TURN ONE FASHION WEEK APPEARANCE INTO MULTIPLE CONTENT PIECES: One well-documented experience can fuel your content calendar long after the season ends.
You do not need to attend a different event every day to remain visible online. With thoughtful planning, one show, presentation or backstage experience can generate several distinct pieces of content. For example, a single designer show could inspire a runway review, a close-up of your favourite accessories, a short styling lesson, a behind-the-scenes diary and a reflection on the collection’s creative direction.
3: UPDATE YOUR PORTFOLIO AND PRESS KIT: Your portfolio should reflect where your career is going, not only where it has been.
Fashion Week can provide relevant evidence of your creative perspective, industry relationships and professional experience. Review your portfolio after the season and select work that demonstrates your strongest skills and the type of projects you want to attract.
A professional press kit may include your biography, areas of expertise, selected projects, approved images, press features, contact information and relevant links.
QUICK DEFINITION OF A STYLIST PRESS KIT: A fashion stylist’s professional press kit is a collection of information, photographs and professional achievements that presents you and your work to potential clients, fashion brands, designers, media houses, PR agencies and event organisers.
Think of it as your professional introduction and portfolio packaged into one polished document. It helps people understand who you are, what you do, your experience and why they should consider working with you.
4: TRACK OPPORTUNITIES THAT CAME FROM THE SEASON: If you do not track your opportunities, you may overlook the value of your efforts.
After Fashion Week, review the connections, conversations and projects that emerged from your participation. Record prospective clients, potential collaborations, media contacts, designer relationships and any agreed next steps.
Not every conversation will immediately become paid work, and that is normal. The purpose of tracking is to understand what is progressing, what needs attention and which activities are producing meaningful professional results.
AFTER FASHION WEEK REVIEWS
- Organise, edit and publish your content.
- Update your portfolio and press kit.
- Review the opportunities and relationships developed.
- Evaluate your goals and prepare for the next season.
- Remember: style isn’t just fashion — it’s business.
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