Front Row FOMO: Is It Status or Style?

After a packed week with Tech in Asia, side events, and Jakarta Fashion Week all colliding, I wrapped things up with a fashion show. In the taxi ride home, under the city’s buzz and lights, I felt a bit reflective. The endless “hi and byes” and after-parties had left me wondering: why do people fight so hard for the front row? Is it really about inspecting seams and craftsmanship—or is it just about status?

I love a good front-row seat—just not at fashion shows. Give me the balcony of an orchestra hall any day. There, I can take in the full spectacle: the violinists moving as one, the percussionists waiting for their moments to shine. In those settings, the front row is about appreciating the performance, not about being seen. But fashion shows? It feels different. It’s like watching The Devil Wears Prada unfold in real life—the front row isn’t just a seat; it’s a statement.

Being in the front row tells the world, "I’m relevant. I belong." And with social media amplifying everything, sitting up front becomes part of the show itself. If it’s not on Instagram, did you even attend? But as much as we chase relevance, I wonder—do people really enjoy the experience, or are they too busy performing for their phones?

This whole front-row scramble feels a lot like the startup world. Everyone’s chasing visibility, hoping to be noticed in a crowded space. But just like in fashion, visibility without substance is just noise. I’ve learned that it’s not about being in every room—it’s about being in the right ones. Building Lunash has shown me that the best moments often happen behind the scenes, away from the crowd and camera flashes.

And honestly? The back row has its perks. From there, I can enjoy the full choreography, observe people's reactions, and take it all in without the pressure. Fashion shows, startups, life—it’s all a performance. Whether you’re up front or quietly observing from the back, what matters is what you take away from it.

Because, let’s face it: the only seams I’ve ever inspected that closely were on my favorite blazer. In the end, it’s not about where you sit—it’s about what you learn along the way. And whether it’s a fashion show or a startup meeting, I’ll take my back-row view any day. There’s clarity in watching it all unfold from a comfortable distance—no selfies required.