Learn what happens behind the scenes at fashion shows

Who does not love fashion shows? Models wearing stunning clothes created by the best designers. From the front row, it all appears to be an organised, fabulous party that brings together models, fashion designers, celebrities, influencers, editors and paparazzi. 

Behind the doors, though, it is a raging storm. Everything you see on the stage only comes together because so much labour is involved backstage. Coordinating a fashion show can take months of hard work and experience. The latest designs may be a smashing hit, but it is what occurs behind the scenes that make a fashion show successful.

For aspiring fashion designers and those interested in pursuing an MDes in Fashion Design, here's everything you need to know about what goes on behind the scenes at a fashion show.

Before the show 

Most events take up to a year to plan and organise, especially when it comes to finding a venue, choosing a show date, and fixing a theme. Months before the show, designers, stylists, and show producers get together for the casting process. They decide everything – from the number of looks that will be displayed to the best models who will flaunt the designs. Modelling agencies will know who will be in town three weeks before the event, and venues will be scheduled anywhere from six months to five weeks in advance.

Models are booked for one, two, or even four appearances each day, and their fittings are completed prior to the event. This ensures that all outfits are tailored to perfection, and they can change from one outfit to the next quickly. The day of the event usually starts with models preparing backstage, while stylists, publicists, personal assistants, and others bustle around them.

Getting ready for the day

On the day of the show, the models start getting ready as hairstylists and makeup artists work their magic on them. 

Hairstylists help ensure that each model has great hair, with each hairstyle tailored to match their outfits. Makeup artists assist with stage makeup while also matching the look with the creative team's aesthetic concept. Backstage, the team also sets up an area with extra seats, ring lights, and equipment to serve as a station where models can quickly change their hair and makeup between different looks.

The outfits of the models are typically prepared by wardrobe assistants, who also make sure that everything is perfectly assembled and ready for models to walk down the runway.

Apart from stylists, make-up artists, and wardrobe assistants, there are several others, from sound engineers and technical assistants to photographers, directors, and more. Other team members include the casting director, the public relations team that invites the media, the graphic designers who design the invitations, the sales agency that handles the buyers, the seamstresses who finish the garments, the staff that steam and press the garments, security, runners, lighting technicians, and so on.

Onto the ramp

Even if designers have been planning for months, there are always last-minute changes. One can typically see a stylist working under pressure to ensure that everything is flawless, just seconds before the model walks onto the ramp. While photographers in the front row will be waiting to capture the finest pictures of the next viral design, photographers in the back will be busy shooting exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.

Once all preparations are done, including last-minute fixes, the first group of models walk down the runway, serving the audience with the best looks. Before you know it, they have walked the ramp and returned backstage to change into their next outfit while the second set of models come in.

This leads up to the final walk when designers and their muses show off their collections for the finale.

Get started with an MDes in Fashion Design 

Does all this sound exciting to you? Then get started today with an MDes in Fashion Design, and jump start your fashion career with UPES, which offers various fashion-related courses. With an MDes in Fashion Design, you get an edge over other professionals in the space, assuring you of a successful innings in the industry.

Note: The views expressed in this article are that of University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha