Q&A: Highsnobiety's Willa Bennett on Not in New York

Willa Bennett knows her way around Fashion Week. As editor-in-chief of Highsnobiety, she's on the cutting edge of all worth seeing and doing during NYFW. This week, The Standard, High Line is joining forces with Willa's team to create a series of innovative activations for the "Not In" City Series. This one's, obviously, Not In New York. Coinciding with NYFW, the festival pays homage to NYC's vibrant culture through themed events, pop-ups, and exclusive collaborations.

The Shop at The Standard, High Line is home to a total takeover, featuring new looks, art exhibitions and more to celebrate the city's unique fashion sense. (And stay tuned as we cover Highsnobiety's exclusive issue launch in Boom.) If you're not able to drop by in person, shop the cobranded collection on the Highsnobiety app and on Instagram, @highsnobietyshop on September 5. 

Between The Standard and Highsnobiety, we’ve hosted, covered and attended our share of New York Fashion Weeks. What’s the mark of a really memorable NYFW activation?

I love when people want to stay at a fashion week event. There are so many places to be and so many designers to support, a good activation not only attracts the right people but sets them up to really enjoy themselves. 

We can’t wait for Not In New York at The Standard, High Line. Tell us a little about the vision for The Standard as a multi-activation space this time around.

The Standard is obviously a longstanding institution but together with Highsnobiety, and the work the editorial team has put into the print magazine, is an extension of our brand's ethos: We are where young people come together to decide what’s next.  

Your favorite Standard memory?

A few years ago, I smoked a cigarette on the balcony after working the MET Gala red carpet for GQ. I remember looking out into the city night and thinking – New York is everything.