The Coveted response to SF Fashion Week

First of all, I want to say thank you for all of your support and intelligent, well-pointed comments. A special thanks to Bit and Bobbins (for taking a break from her blogging vacation) and Manolo's Shoe Blog for posting about SF Fashion Week's decision not to include Bloggers as 'accredited members of the journalism community.'

Second, I want to be very clear, that I have not at any point in time, ever expected to be granted a press pass from SF Fashion week. I understand they are a business, and they send all their press passes to the Clark Kent, Murphy Brown and Huckleberry Hound for all I care. I am merely questioning the decision deny ALL bloggers free press passes.

It's very interesting to open a discussion about the rapidly changing state of the media. It's very easy to accept the manner of which information is disseminated, and which we absorb it.

The Coveted was initially started as (and still is) a personal project to find my passion. At the time, I was not aware that I was 'into fashion' nor did I even imagine that anyone outside my immediate circle of friends would want to hear my thoughts about the subject. I found a great deal of joy creating posts, and a love of the community of bloggers. It was so refreshing to see that there were a group of people who love fashion, who love to talk about fashion and are kind, friendly, and supportive. It's a far cry from the world portrayed in 'The Devil Wears Prada' or 'Ugly Betty'.

Since receiving the denial email from SF Fashion Week, I have been posed with a number of questions. First and foremost, one that's been in the back of my mind for some months... Is this blog a 'legitimate' publication? Perhaps when emerging designer, Boaz approached me to write about his clothing line (which I love) or when the de Young Museum invited me to the press preview for the Nan Kempner: American Chic show (which I'm still tickled pink about), I realized that The Coveted is more than just my own general musings to myself, another one of my random hobbies.

Can't just 'anyone' can start a blog?
As if that is some kind of point. It's not. Anyone CAN start a blog, anyone can start any publication they want, whether it be printed, electronic, whatever, but bloggers are subject to the same laws as traditional journalists when it comes to plagiarism, libel, and copyright infringement, national security, etc... Also, anyone can write a blog, not everyone can write a blog that others enjoy reading.

At which point can one define themselves to be accredited members of the press?
Two years ago The White House approved the first press pass for a blogger:

Increasingly, bloggers are penetrating the preserves of the mainstream news media. They have secured seats on campaign planes, at political conventions and in presidential debates, and have become a driving force in news events themselves.

(quote taken from the New York Times)

How influential are blogs in the fashion world anyway? This is a complicated question... so for now I am going to stick to the facts: for New York Fashion Week bloggers are granted press passes. Somehow a group of 40 bloggers managed to be selected by someone at IMG taking the time to find out which blogs produced intelligent content that reached a valuable audience. I am sure the criteria will be refined over the years, but it's nice to know that someone is paying attention.

As far as economic importance, The Wall Street Journal says:

Fashion blogging's coming of age is happening as U.S. online advertising revenue, a small percentage of which goes to blogs, topped $10 billion last year, and is expected to grow 22% annually, to reach $27.3 billion in 2010, according to Kelsey Group, a consulting firm.

So, what do I think about SF Fashion Week declining my application?
Honestly, I figured, San Francisco Fashion Week is has only been around since 2004 (it's younger than some blogs!), and they probably would want all the press coverage they could get. The question of the validity of blogs as a journalistic resource didn't even cross my mind.

I don't take this personally. I believe the decision to grant free press passes to bloggers is not only short-sighted, but it reflects SFFW's inattention to current events in the fashion industry. I understand that The Coveted is new, and I do not expect anything from anyone, and even when it gets old, I still won't expect anything from anyone. I am just grateful to have the time to do this and even more so I am grateful that there is an audience that takes delight in this little blog.
:)

Will I be attending SF Fashion week?
The answer to that is simply this. No.
It is not because I feel slighted, and do not want to attend on principle, it is simply because I don't make any money from The Coveted. I barely have enough money for shoes, and I just can't afford to shell out the cash for tickets.


"I respect and support your right to blog about fashion."
~Donna Berry, PR Director SF Fashion Week

Thank you Ms. Berry, that's very kind of you.
(the highlight is mine)

That's exactly what I intend to do. So... I gotta take my shower, and get out and find tidbits to deliver to you this week! Have a lovely day!

Kind, kind regards,
Jennine