By this point, we've covered the front of house + the back of house, and all the work that goes into preparing the venue for the show. Now it's time to discuss getting the models ready and the lineup set.
Everyone needed to work in the back-of-house arrives an hour early, or more (if they aren’t jumping from one fashion show to the next) so that they have plenty of time to set up their tools, makeup kits, steaming equipment, dressing racks, and more.
The models trickle in based on the timing of their bookings and their experience. The more experienced, popular models may rush in with 20 or 30 minutes to spare, while the newer models who are not scheduled for as many shows may arrive an hour or 90 minutes early so that their hair/makeup is taken care and they then sit out of the way.
As the lights are dimming and the music starts, the models are in their first-look lineup ready to start strutting the catwalk. Immediately upon finishing their walk and returning backstage, models are running to their dresser (while sometimes trying to undress themselves) so they can get into their second look. The time between looks for a model can be extremely short, and often the shoes are being strapped + the dresses zipped while she’s walking to the stage again.
Everyone needed to work in the back-of-house arrives an hour early, or more (if they aren’t jumping from one fashion show to the next) so that they have plenty of time to set up their tools, makeup kits, steaming equipment, dressing racks, and more.
The models trickle in based on the timing of their bookings and their experience. The more experienced, popular models may rush in with 20 or 30 minutes to spare, while the newer models who are not scheduled for as many shows may arrive an hour or 90 minutes early so that their hair/makeup is taken care and they then sit out of the way.
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| Carolina Herrera "behind the scenes" Fall'13 |
While the models are getting their hair, nails and makeup taken care of, the steamers
are steaming garments, the dressers are reviewing the complete looks for
the models they are helping and making sure they have every item
needed, and the jewelry and shoes team are counting their pieces and
making sure everyone has the appropriate accessories.
Stylists are going around with the designer making
last-minute outfit tweaks, and the seamstresses are trailing behind to
make sure everything is sewn, zipped, hemmed, and ready to be worn – up
to the last moment. A model may be sewn into a garment or something may
be altered while the model is in the lineup waiting to go on the
runway.
The last 15 minutes before a fashion show are
usually the craziest backstage…which coincides with the pandemonium in
the front-of-house as everyone arrives to watch the show. During
these last 15 minutes, anyone not needed backstage is pushed out by
security – photographers, celebrities stopping by, family (unless it’s a
child), editors, etc. Only the essential teams are there, ready to dress the model and handle any last-minute issues or touch-ups.
As the lights are dimming and the music starts, the models are in their first-look lineup ready to start strutting the catwalk. Immediately upon finishing their walk and returning backstage, models are running to their dresser (while sometimes trying to undress themselves) so they can get into their second look. The time between looks for a model can be extremely short, and often the shoes are being strapped + the dresses zipped while she’s walking to the stage again.
Once every look has been shown, there's a brief 30-second pause or so, and then the final walk -- where all the models walk out one last time in order of appearance. The
designer takes their bow or walks the runway to loud applause…while
backstage the models are again hurriedly changing to run to their next booking and dressers are quickly hanging, zipping, bagging and tagging, with the cleaning crew running around after everyone.
Fifteen minutes later, everyone is out of back-of-house and the new crew is filing in for the next show.
It is that chaotic, and that fast. There is no time for mistakes or melt-downs. And while I have occasionally worked with a model who spoke little to no English, or who didn't like her looks, hair or makeup, or even the ones who were having bad days, the show always "went on." Because as soon as it was over, the entire creative and production process started up again for the next season.
Leave me questions or comments below. I like hearing from you! [I also featured this story as a guest blogger here]
x
RH
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