How the designers stay sane (Talk of the Tents)

Coffee, water, exercise, prayer. However the designers get through the mayhem that is Fashion Week, we give them props.

We surveyed some of our favorites on their tactics for staying sane.

"Venti, Venti, Venti."
— Charlotte Ronson

“I’m learning French for an upcoming trip to Eze, France. When I have my iPod on and am practicing I’m totally focused and not stressing about volume, hemlines or lining colors. All I need to do is imagine being on the French Riviera and I feel completely relaxed.”
— Amy Smilovic, Tibi

“I don’t. I enjoy crazy.”
— Michael Angel

“Early morning walks.”
— b. michael

"Starting each day with a bit of meditation and ending each day with a bit of scotch. Both in moderation."
— Charles Nolan

“A sense of humor really helps. I just try to keep things light and fun. We listen to ’80s music that the interns bring in who weren’t even born in the ’80s.”
— Rebecca Taylor

“During Fashion Week, there is not much to do to stay sane. It is impossible. What I try is to arrive to the date of the show as fresh as possible; this is why I try to spend a few days kite-surfing in the Canary Islands, Spain, before flying into the city.”
— Custo Dalmau, Custo Barcelona

"I do my best to spend as much time as I can with my friends and family. Finding a balance between my work and personal life is always challenging but absolutely key to remaining sane during those hectic times in life.”
— Rachel Roy

"It is important to take breaks. I like to walk around the city plugged into my iPod to check out retail stores and get re-energized by New York."
— Wichy Hassan, Miss Sixty

"I think of my heroine from this season's inspiration, Joan of Arc,
and follow her mantra: 'I am not afraid. I was born to do this.'
— Monika Kowalska, A. Detacher

“Drink OJ, always have the floor swept, do not read any show reviews from other designers ’til after my show, don’t skip food, play with my black Affenpinscher terrier, Francis.”
— James Coviello

— Compiled by Julie Gordon