So about a week ago I had my first experience working backstage as a dresser at Ooh Fashions Spring/Summer '11 show. I'm not going to lie, I felt like Lauren Conrad, especially when the DJ blasted out some 'Unwritten.' I wrote the whole experience up as a feature for an assesment at uni, but thought why not just post it on here too? So here it is...
Ooh Fashions spring/summer ’11 show, hosted at the Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh’s West End, promised to be a stylish night with certain panache, boasting some of Edinburgh and Glasgow’s finest up and coming designers. As a fashion show amateur, you could almost be forgiven for assuming the event would take no more than a few hours preparation on the day itself. You would be undeniably wrong.
The world of fashion is looked enviously upon as being the home of all things glamour. An enchanting place where the beautiful and talented of humanity can inhabit, and have the rest of us mere mortals gaze longingly on.
But if you dare to step behind the curtains of this fashionable world, you will see that it belongs to a team of hard-working, everyday individuals such as you and I. Dare it even be suggested that they are even harder at work than the rest of us, as they strive for perfection in an environment that accepts nothing less.
Ten hours before the catwalk snatched the room’s attention, the troupe of backstage helpers (known as dressers in fashion speak) congregated for a briefing from Ooh Fashions creative director, Gary Anderson. Ten sets of apprehensive and vivacious eyes settled firmly on him, as he described the chaos and thrill of working behind the scenes of a fashion show;
“The day’s going to go really quick, be prepared for everything. This isn’t the set of ‘The Hills,’ it is real life and I want you snappy and on the ball. No room for tears and tantrums.”
Drinking it all in, each dresser learned they were to be assigned a model, which they would take responsibility for when it came to the fleeting changes between each designer’s showcase down the runway.
The talkative and charming nature of Gary had been replaced with an authority and sharpness that led to no uncertainty who was the intelligence behind this whole production. He held command over the room, and was always in the vicinity to deal with what materialized to be a constant stream of queries and concerns that were forthcoming throughout the stretch leading up to 8 o’clock.
Was he stressed? Of course. None of those involved would have held the slightest resentment against him had he spoke out of turn, or indeed more harshly than was called for. He had an immense amount of pressure weighing down on him, yet kept an immaculately serene and professional head throughout. A class act if ever there was one; take note Galliano.
The fittings of the models proved to be second from top on the days stress meter. As Dennis, from Dennis Mcinally Photography expertly captured behind-the-scenes images, panicked designers fleeted about making those last minute alterations to the styles they had dedicated their creative talents too. The room seemed to ring out a chorus of ‘Gary’ being sung, as dressers discovered the looks for their models were too big, or too small. Followed by where does this tie, and how should this look?
Finally with the fittings done, looks put in to order, and the models sent to hair and make-up, it would be time for a break. But no, there are no breaks in fashion darling. The monotonous tasks of filling gift bags and icing cupcakes were still to be executed. Double checking, and then triple checking that the models outfits were in order became second nature, the fear of being the broken link in the running order making sure of it.
The calm before the storm set in from 3 o’clock. With everything appearing to be under control, the welcoming treat to the taste buds of a Boots meal deal beckoned. Oh yes, nothing but glamour for those back-stage grafters, as the models were treated to a civilised tea party.
Not that the tea did anything to calm the jangling nerves that 17 year-old model, Claire Pickens, spoke of; “the atmosphere backstage is electric, everyone’s slightly nervous and feeling the pressure with the quick changes, which are going to be challenging. But I’m so excited about being set loose on the catwalk with these beautiful clothes.”
A slow but steady paced afternoon began to grow momentum come 6’oclock, as the dress rehearsal got underway. For the first time, the dresser’s eyes were opened to the intensity and pressure bore upon them as they raced against time to make sure the models were ready for their fashion parade. Attention to detail was thrown out the window as last minute cries for ‘tit tape,’ safety pins and ribbon were heard echoing around the small space backstage.
But all too soon the guests were seated and the lights dimmed. There was barely enough time for me to gaze in admiration at the vintage inspired gold satin gown from ‘Psycho Moda’, before it was swept away and strutted in front of the marvelling crowd. The one exception to a fashion show that always oozes glamour and sophistication. Panic ensued, models returned from their walk tearing off their beautiful attire and delving into the next garment that awaited them. With adrenalin coursing through the veins, time hurtled by in the form of naked models dashing backstage, as dressers greeted them with the modern glam designs of ‘Carolyn Baxter’, distinctive yet effortlessly chic creations of ‘Tea At Aunties’ and the confections of ‘Ten30.’
There was barely enough time to get a whiff off the sweet scent of couture before the exhibiton of fashion came to an end. Spectators were heard applauding, sighs of relief were momentarily released, and an overwhelming sense of pride and exuberance washed over the room.
The evening had gone without a hitch. Clothes were returned to ecstatic designers, congratulations were offered to an elated Gary, and I was left to reflect on the whirlwind that had been my first fashion show.
This world is not for the idle and passive, it takes no prisoners. It does, however, craft a tireless work ethic, and requires an unflagging passion for the tasks you complete. There is no glamour to see here.
However, a select few of us did finish the night off with cocktails at a chic little local bar...
C’est la mode.
