Making my way up the steps of Lincoln Center, my eyes wandered to the various guests attending. Some were like me — writers, photographers, editors — the others were the lucky ones who had the opportunity to attend fashion shows for the sheer sake of enjoying the event.

Looking out into the crowds of people there seemed to be an invisible schism separating those who wanted to see and those who wanted to be seen. Swarms of cameras encapsulated the fabulous, placing them in a bubble of style, on a pedestal to be viewed by all. At first, observing what the attendees were wearing seemed strange, yet those who truly appreciated the art of fashion lived and breathed it every day, which, in the simplest of ways, could be seen by what they chose to wear. Those who stood out from the crowd were those who had dedicated their lives to the concept of style. You know you’ve made it in the fashion world when what you’re wearing to a show is just as newsworthy as the pieces walking down the runway.

Fashion Week is like an enormous art exhibition, each artist presenting their work to be observed, analyzed and, most of all, appreciated. Each space used for shows is transformed to fit the designer’s aesthetic. Every aspect is carefully pieced together to bring the designer’s vision to life. When experiencing a show, it’s important to remember this concept — everything presented, not just the pieces, has meaning and value.

Besides the incredible opportunity it’s been to attend New York Fashion Week, it’s also been a journey that puts this international industry in perspective. Fashion isn’t, and never will be, just about the clothes. As trends rise and fall, the artistry remains behind each piece presented. No matter the choice in cut, color or texture, this industry will always bring an addicting mode of self-expression, one which will always remain in style.

A version of this article ran in the Thursday, Sept. 12 print edition. Dana Reszutek is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].