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Collective Voice is a Creator Marketing agency that does it all. We create solutions tailored to your marketing objectives. It’s all about smart strategy, expert guidance, and a full suite of offerings.
7 minute read time
We had the incredible opportunity to sit down with DMV style influencer Kay Davenport, who took over our social channels during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Known for her confident and relatable approach to fashion, Kay gave us a behind-the-scenes look into how she prepared for her very first NYFW—from networking with other creators to curating show-stopping looks. In this interview, she shares her experiences, favorite moments, and how she stayed true to herself while navigating the high-energy world of fashion week. Read on to get Kay’s insights into fashion, content creation, and building a community at NYFW.
I started by reaching out to my sisters in fashion! I tried to get as much insight as I could from creators who had been to NYFW in the past. Creators like @devanaturner and @thecassanedit were very helpful as they prepped me for what to expect, how to pack and even how to reach out to brands. We created a group chat, and would meet on zoom and facetime to check in on our progress.
From there, I would DM and message every brand I had previously worked with and tapped into those already established relationships with designers and retailers I shop and love. So networking and community were my biggest assets. After that, the most important thing to me was to set my intentions, which was to show up authentically as myself and represent for my community of women. So that became my overall theme when RSVPing to events, and picking my looks.
Surprisingly, this was the easy part! I knew for sure I wanted to be billboard for women and designers who are not largely represented at Fashion Week. So I prioritized first showing up as ME. Not trying too hard to fit it, look the part or create an aesthetic. If a look did not feel comfortable or make me fell confident, I was not going to force it. Second, I was strategic about wearing items my community could shop …wearable and realistic fashion. In addition to spotlighting as many women owned or black owned designers and business as I could. I was gifted sunglasses by @shopkendallmarie, jewelry from a local business @dluxeeverything , and the shoe stopping look was gifted by a designer from Lagos Nigera (M.O.T the label).
Most of my looks were attainable and shopable like Revolve, Free people, ZARA, H&M, GAP, asos, and luxury finds from Fashionphile.
The biggest trend that has caught my eye is the nod to 90s fashion. I am in love with a clean look that doesnt distract from a woman’s bold confidence. The touches of sheer, organza, structured jackets and blazers, corset style tops, all things that a woman can wear and elevate as much as she chooses.
My favorite moment was seeing the Brandon Maxwell X Walmart preview, most people do not know that he is a mastermind behind the SCOOP line at Walmart that women cannot get enough of. Additionally, Coach is having a major moment and each season the brand knocks us off our socks with a new innovative design. We all thought we needed the Carry ALL bag but they previewed these oversized doctor bags that I cant wait to get my hands on.
MENSWEAR! I am so intrigued by taking masculine silhouettes and creating a feminine edge. I wore my favorite baggy mens gap jeans with calven klein boxers to the Alexander Wang Swap Meat event, and to my surprise the models and clothes on his racks featured a similar design. Showing the elastic waist of boxers paired with trousers and mini skirts.
My community wanted to feel like they were right there with me. I created stories and recaps as if they were my PLUS 1 at every event. Aside from that, I wanted to tell the story of a regular stylish mama at her first fashion week. The joys, the energy and the sisterhood all was shared in real time. Aside from that, the LOOKS! They wanted ootd and GRWM content.
So my approach was mainly to cater to my audience , notr just as shoppers but as women championing other women.
I would say begin creating that content NOW! Create content that establishes you as a trustworthy expert. Then tap into your existing relationships with brands and platforms. Take not of who is sponsoring shows and what brands have activations. If you already naturally follow and engage with them, keep doing so. Optimize those authentic relationships. Remember, if you are an avid shopper of a brand…that is an organic relationship. Tap into that!
Additionally, just be you. Don’t try to curate things, be the vibe, show your quirks and RECORD IT! People like the less than perfect human being over the person who is “trying”.
Yes, Alexander Wang, a few stars from LOVE ISLAND and even some rappers that I am afraid to admit I am too old to even know. I felt very vintage but they all were so welcoming and kind. I met Shari B (former co-president of ROC nation), Angela Dotson (Senior VP of Fashionphile) who showed us her favorite Chanel in her collection (a super rare find). I can’t even lie, I was having a moment meeting some influencers and creators I have always looked up to only to find out they follow me and are fans my content. I will say the sisterhood and comradery of fashion creators was electrifying. Getting a “I’m so proud of you and you are killing it” from @monroesteele who has been in the game for so long was a special moment.
Also meeting and going to the Alexis Bittar showroom was full circle because I was a 19 year old college student working in the jewelry department of Nordstrom wishing I could afford Alexis Bittar one day. Fast forward, I am at his store in NY along side some amazing creators being gifted a stunning gold cuff .
Honestly, Collective Voice was a dream. It is so rare for newbies to land a partnership for fashion week, so I am still riding that high. I am still getting DMs from PR and marketing platforms, agencies and influencers about how much they enjoyed my social media takeover.
Right now, my relationships and network is so strong as a result of NYFW and all the partnerships I have coming were mostly because of my hard work leading up to NYFW.
My network is my networth! So I have made so many connections with new and emerging brands, consignment and luxury rental brands. More importantly, I feel like I have established myself as a trusted voice in style and attainable fashion. My goal was really to pull myself up a chair to a table I know I belong to and its safe to say I did just that and I cannot wait to return in February and set up brand meetings in the coming months. Im not a person who waits for opportunity.
What’s been the most surprising or unexpected aspect of attending NYFW?
The warm embrace by creators I have always admired. I would walk up to an influencer and introduce myself only to find out I don’t need an introduction because they all knew me and took the time to let me know how much they love my content and shop my links.
Can you give us a peek into what goes on behind the scenes at these events?
Honestly it is so hectic, you are moving from one event ot the next and everything is overlapping. It is easy to get swept up my the wave of things. Also, eating was non existent. I barely had time to think about food. I was on the MOVE.
How do you balance attending shows and creating content with the busy schedule of NYFW?
It is all done in real time and I edit later. When I review my schedule, I note what kinds of glimpses I want to give my audience from each event while also trying to remain in the moment. I record short clips on my phone to edit and post later (even for stories) and I record most of the event on my DJI for long form. I set aside time in the uber to edit photos and I stay up at the end of the night to edit that day’s footage. Each morning before leaving I schedule time for photos and shoots. Luckily NYFW has the best photographers in the street to capture you on the spot. But I did hire several photographers in advance. That was some of the best advice i was given.
What’s been the highlight of your NYFW experience?
The connections and sisterhood. The energy in NYC is different so to be surrounded by everyone who is equally as enthusiastic about fashion and style as me really sparked my creative joy!
How has attending NYFW impacted your perspective on fashion and content creation?
Seeing everyone’s interpretation of fashion and style was so inspirational. Creatively, I am super motivated. It felt great to BELONG. It was totally acceptable to drag my exaggerated skirt and train down the streets of NYC and i love that for me !!
Do you have any advice for aspiring influencers who want to break into the fashion industry?
Be you and dont for a second try to be anyone else. Focus on creating what feels good to you. Ignore analytics, numbers and insights in the beginning, find your voice in this space by consistently creating looks you love. When you focus on what makes you, you and what your style is, the more you can authentically share and speak about it to your audience.
I also say connections are important, so engage with your favorite fashionistas and brands! Lastly, no room is too big for you, you belong in the places only you feel you’re worthy of being in. if your following is small, or you don’t wear luxury brands, SO WHAT!! You have something to add to this space, own your sauce. If you want to attend fashion week, I highly recommend. There are so many events and activations that will inspire and educate you. You will be surprised that its less about the fashion and more about the story behind the designer, the brand and each collection.
Kay Davenport is a DMV-based style influencer on a mission to help you build a wardrobe that boosts your confidence. Known for her effortlessly chic looks and approachable fashion tips, Kay empowers her audience to embrace their personal style while staying on-trend. Whether you’re revamping your closet or looking for fresh inspiration, Kay is your go-to for making fashion fun and fearless.
