And… Breathe.

The past couple of days have been a whirlwind of getting ready for my trip tonight. I haven't even had a moment to sit and write about all the things bouncing around in my head, like the new Japanese design publications I just bought (above -- plus, I got to order this one, which I saw in a love-at-first-sight kind of moment on A Bird in the Hand) or the terrific tie-dyed vintage dress I scored for $3 last week. I've been preoccupied with securing plane tickets, and resolving last minute snafus, and packing… and repacking (despite all the traveling I do, successful packing is something that continues to elude me. No matter how much I prepare, I always end up with too many jeans and not enough shoes.) I've been feeling so hectic and harried that I sometimes wonder if it is worth it.

But then I sit and think for a minute, and I realize that it absolutely is. Tonight I'll fly to New Delhi for the start of India Fashion Week, which is something that I would do even if I couldn't write any stories about it. It is exactly the kind of thing that fuels me: The fantastic designers on the verge of major recognition. The younger ones who are finding their niche and experimenting with design. Being surrounded by people who feel as passionately about fashion as I do; where I can turn to my friend Vinod at the end of a show and say, "Those pleats were absolutely amazing," and no one will look at me like I am a strange person.

I know I'm verging into cheesy Lifetime movie territory right now, but it's true – this is a side to the fashion industry that inspires me completely. I'm looking forward to sharing as much as I can this week (and even more later, after my articles come out – because I'm pretty sure my editors wouldn't love it if I scooped my own stories). The posts will be more sporadic while I'm away, but I have a feeling I'm going to want to share as much as I can. I'll probably start in a few hours, when my computer and I are happily settled in the (somewhat beloved) airport lounge. There's nothing like free tea sandwiches and bloody marys to kick off a trip.