» Behind the scenes of a fashion show
Sandra Omo gives a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the reality of a fashion show
I am backstage at a fashion show right now, as I write this column and it’s bizarre – that’s the only word that can describe the rowdiness and haste right here. I am in-line for my make-up and it will take a while before it reaches my turn.
“I have just begun my make-up and hear we have just an hour to go until the show, no time at all”
I’ve decided to bring you ‘behind the scenes’ of a fashion show while the show is on, unless you are directly connected to the fashion business, or you have a job backstage, you have absolutely no idea what it is like here while the show is going on. Yet, it is the most realistic and hilarious behind the scenes look anyone can ever experience.
Notice I am not just talking about the backstage of a fashion show, which I know some people may be able to enter before the show begins, or after it is over, but the backstage of a show while the show is going on. At this point, only those directly involved in the show are allowed backstage, and at this time, you are normally too busy to notice what is going on around you. Nonetheless, I decided to pay attention to the happenings backstage today so I can share it with you.
The room is full and busy as designers are carrying out fittings; make-up artists are busy with some models, others are eating and chatting away; photographers are capturing the ‘before moments’ backstage, organisers are up and down making last minute checks, and there are so many other things happening. However, as busy as it may seem now, it is nothing compared to what it will be like once the show begins.
The choreographer has been up twice getting models in batches for last minute rehearsals. I have just begun my make-up and I hear we have just an hour to go before the show begins – that is no time at all. There is more rush backstage as the first set of models to walk the runway for the opening designer begin to put on their clothes. Make-up is retouched, and will be retouched each time the models return backstage. Routines are run through the hundredth time.
Suddenly it’s five minutes to go with the models automatically linedup by the stage entrance. At the first “go” from the choreographer, the tension mounts – you can actually feel it in the room. As the first set of models return and the second immediately begin to make their appearance, the designers and stagehands are getting more models in, and out of clothes. There are three people dressing me at once. I feel another touching my hair but I cannot really concentrate as I hear the choreographer screaming, “Go, no not you. You, now!” two models move at once. Then he screams, “Stop not you. You!” Some girl is screaming she cannot find her shoes. She is told to wear those of the girl standing behind her. She complains they do not fit but when the choreographer shouts “Move!” she runs out barefooted. Boy, it is a crazy world back here.
I have been on and off stage, in and out of clothes three times, and I’m still waiting to go. I pause for a second to look around: models are talking, laughing, shouting, looking for one thing or the other, but it’s amazing that within seconds they are ready to go on stage.
We walk out for the final applauding as the designers take a bow, photographers – snap, snap, snap, then it’s over. Now you can exhale.
