During fashion week, I always stay at a hotel with a sauna. On the morning of the show, I start the day by going to the sauna, followed by a short swim in the pool. After that, I sit alone on a bench outside the hotel and listen to the show music to clear my head before heading to the venue. To help myself stay relaxed, I also make a point of wearing familiar, well-worn clothes that I feel comfortable in. I do this every time. 

On the day of a show, I definitely layer on a few more rosaries and splash on a bit more holy water. I usually keep my uniform of black loose jeans, loafers, and a washed black tee. My headspace is dressing everyone else. Then at the last minute, I’ll pull a look together if I pop out at the end after a show.

My main focus is on staying calm and being grateful. The process is so much work for all of us creating the collection and producing a show that I try to channel joy and faith. I’m usually very emotional because I see everybody’s work, and it just blows my mind.

More than 20 years ago, I was on a press trip to my hometown, Nottingham. It must have been around the time of one of my runway shows because I remember joking with a journalist that if I spotted a rabbit from the train while passing through the countryside, it would bring good luck for my show. My quote about rabbits was published in the story, and what followed was incredible. People started sending me rabbits from across the world: charms, toys, paintings, sculptures. I have received just about everything that resembles a rabbit! Even my wife, Pauline, gifts me a rabbit charm for each show — our little tradition that we still cherish today.

Show days are very busy for me: lots of press interviews, collection walkthroughs, and guest greetings. For the past couple of years, I have been hosting salon-style shows. The intimate setting feels authentic to who we are as a brand, and this personal approach is very important to me. I like to chat to the models, the journalists, the buyers, because their feedback is highly valuable. The evening before the show is when I like to go for a cycle or enjoy a solo dinner. It helps to calm the nerves and take a moment to reflect on what we are about to present.

I feel perhaps there’s a myth about artists thriving in chaos, but I’m quite the opposite: waking up, walking to the beach, and doing some yoga in the morning. I actually don’t even like listening to music. I prefer everything silent and quiet like a temple.

My daughter made this bracelet for me once, and I like to have it on me for luck, usually in my pocket. Every morning I make a big green smoothie with a lot of different vegetables, primarily carrots, spinach, and broccoli. I never skip that on show day. I have some go-to playlists to get me hyped, but I would say the first three tracks on At the Drive-In’s Relationship of Command always do the trick.

On show day, I always make sure I eat breakfast, because I usually don’t get to eat anything until the show starts. I used to get a bloody nose in the morning every season. Luckily, that has stopped the past few. I start with a shower and a moment to decompress, and then I hit the ground running. I always carry my dog in his little backpack so my emotional support is close to my heart.

On show days I tend to bring two of my favorite pairs of Bode shoes with me — the House shoes and School shoes — for two reasons. First, because I’m shoe sample size and I’m always thinking that if something happens to a model I can give them my backup pair. Second, I want to make sure I’m comfortable when I’m on my feet for an entire day, and want the option to switch shoes.

One morning ritual I have to keep, even when I’m in Paris for shows, is having an unsweetened ice tea. It’s hard to find in France, but I’ve figured out my ways. 

I wake up, get dressed. I keep checking in with myself: Do I try to “look cool,” or do I feel comfortable in this? I try to stay true and honest, to not get carried away by expectations or norms. During the day, I try to check in with myself and the crew, reminding myself to stay connected with myself and the team. To create an atmosphere that allows for mistakes and the unexpected, where often the most beautiful moments are captured. Not to conform to the expected, but to keep an open mind and search for what feels right. I think this is the essence of what we stand for at Camiel Fortgens.

Me and the team are honestly busy every minute of that day. Not much eating, drinking, or music is involved, although the show music is on repeat, and we snack on the fruit and bottled water that serve our guests. Keeping me grounded are the little moments in between — seeing familiar faces in the room, a brief FaceTime with my 1-year-old, and keeping in the back of my mind: accept, adapt, enjoy, and celebrate.

I have a lucky number, which is 25. It comes into my life very often. I’m not really superstitious, but I have a connection with this number. It’s kind of mysterious.

Madeleine Connors contributed reporting.