I shot 20 shows this season and I can tell you that I ate something different and delicious backstage at each one. (I’m not 100 percent certain I’m supposed to be eating any of it—maybe it’s just for the models and the crew—but that’s part of the excitement.) I don’t care who you are, free food is exciting. That love doesn’t die after college. It’s like a very elevated version of attending some weird safe sex seminar because they're serving free pizza, except instead you get to attend Michael Kors backstage for some free parfait and sausage-egg-cheese sandwiches that would put any overpriced Manhattan cafe to shame.

It’s really how I stay functioning throughout all the model-chasing and PR coordinator-dodging I have to do during the week. Let me break down the big ticket items for you:

Those apples! I have no idea what to call them but the apple slices covered in peanut butter and granola. They’re amazing, somewhat healthy, and they’re usually the first item to go. I always try to grab a couple of these on my way in at most shows—I especially know to watch out for them at Spring Studios.

Juice Press : As I've written before, I refuse to pay for Juice Press. I just can’t. That said, I will choke someone out to get the last Pink Punk if they’ve got free Juice Press somewhere backstage. Delicious, just not worth $20.99 or whatever they charge for it. Sadly this season I didn’t see much of it around—just some green juice at Prabal, which I was not about to go for.

Cookie & dessert trays : Anna Sui had a killllerr one this season. Like semi-fancy but still low-end enough to be delicious. They had at least 10 different types of things—mini strawberry cheesecake, linzer bars, brownies, oatmeal cookies without raisins...it was all I could have asked for.

Fiji Water : They have this everywhere. I’ve never purchased a Fiji Water myself in my life but I’ve gone through dozens during NYFW. Spring Studios always has ones with holes in the lids and very cute, extra-durable straws. Awful for the environment, yes, but helpful to the camera guy with no room for a water bottle and with a low thirst tolerance. Don’t worry guys, I do always recycle.

Pesto pasta salad : As seen at Thakoon the past two seasons. This is a major one for me because it usually comes in a nice to-go container, which makes for good subway food. Convenience is key because I’m not about to try and take that messy roast beef sandwich to go.

Popcorners : These, also at Thakoon this season, really got me. I hadn’t tried them before, so bless some producer/coordinator/caterer for including them backstage here. They’re delicious! I had one bag of the kettle ones and then managed to sneak two more away with me. Sustenance enough for multiple shows! (This post is not sponsored by Popcorners, I swear).

Melissa’s Bakery : Leave it to Jeremy Scott to have some funky little cupcakes backstage. I had about five too many, but they were delicious.

Sliders : This is a rarity, but one time, a show had mini chicken and beef burger sliders with mini fries alongside. I’m still chasing that dream. This season, ODLR did have little BLT slider sandwiches on potato rolls. Golden.

Shout out to NYFW for caring about those of us putzing around backstage for a week straight. It’s very much appreciated. See you next season.

—Tom Newton

Photographed by the author.

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