Why is it that the words “public relations” more often than not leads to images of glamorous people jet setting to fabulous parties halfway around the world? It could have to do with the fact that the majority of what PR is involves is making people (usually other people) look good or the fact that in many cases there is a fabulous party or show involved (contrary to popular belief, however, the publicists or event planners rarely gets to relish in all the lavishness that the event has to offer to the exclusive guest list).
I learned this the hard way with my first experience working Fashion Week. Watching and helping with all of the planning and details that goes into putting on a Milk Studios or Lincoln Center worthy fashion show I was convinced that when the lights finally went down and a hush fell over the anxious crowd we would get to sit back and watch what all of our hard work over the past months had created… we didn’t. With clouds of hairspray and outfits flying, backstage was organized (and some unorganized) chaos throughout the entire show. With the close of the show and the bow of the designer and some post show interviews came a quick sigh of relief and then back to reality with the next task already at hand. The continuous endeavors and nonstop action is what makes public relations public relations. So world, there you have it, life in the wonderful world of PR is not all glitz and glam, but that is what makes it all so totally worth it.
