Backstage :: Fashion Shows, part 2

The back-of-house area at a fashion show is just as frantic and fast-paced as the front, although the timing backstage is different.  The back-of-house team includes:

• the designer and his specific team of helpers
• production, sound and lighting crews
• hair, nails and makeup crews
• dressers, stylists, seamstresses and garment steamers
• jewelry, shoes and accessories team(s)
• models (and anyone they may bring, such as children or a spouse)
• some photographers (until the models start changing for the show)
• the catering crew and perhaps a clean-up crew
• security teams

Depending on the size and importance of the show, the backstage teams will arrive one to several hours before the shows.  Often, for fashion shows at the same venue, the security and clean-up crews will be the same, and many models + hair/makeup crews will be running from show to show, based on their bookings.

Carolina Herrera "behind the scenes" Fall'13

Because of the amount of people running around, security is tight, and anyone admitted into the back-of-house area would need proof that they are supposed to be there, have a fashion show all-access pass, and a form of ID.  Once their name has been verified on a list each backstage member gets a credential, which should not be taken off for the duration of the time.  

While hair/nails/makeup teams are usually paid, dressers are usually not – these are the collegiate fashion students, the interns at a particular design house, or someone with connections in the industry who just enjoys the backstage all-access pass to the newest collections and all the excitement.  

Stella McCartney Show

  

Most fashion shows provide catering backstage for the small army of workers it takes to make the show successful, and everyone will snack on foods throughout the lengthy process.   

Yes, models DO eat.  Regardless of what an outsider looking in may think, the stress, running around, lengthy productions backstage and the high energy required throughout the day can be exhausting…especially without food.  Smart and successful models will munch throughout the day, keeping their metabolism running and their energy high.

Tune in tomorrow for the last part of this series...

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