London Fashion Week; I thought I would share my experience of LFW from the exclusive backstage area, the guarded hub from which all the magic emerges.
The Fashion Elite are out in force, their heels always outrageously high, styled from head to toe in outfits that turn us green with envy, setting the pace for the coming season.
The location for today’s show is the famous Saatchi Gallery.
I turn up, tucked under my umbrella – as London has chosen to host an almighty rainstorm on this Friday afternoon in Chelsea. To my left I get my first glimpse of the runway, a catwalk adorned in beautiful monochrome illustrations and stark white benches.
I ask for directions for the Backstage Area and am led to another space in the gallery. Here a security guard checks I’m on the list and provides me with my pass, advising me not to let it out of my sight!
He steps aside, pulling open a heavy frosted glass door to reveal a room brightly lit with studio lights, the smell of Bumble&Bumble hair products and rail upon rail of Jasper Conran’s Spring/Summer’14 collection.
Amongst this scene, models are passing time on their iPads and mobiles, the hair and beauty team are frantically preparing girls for the show like a beauty conveyor belt and the production team are dashing about clutching clipboards and finalising details.
Today I have the duty of dressing the very tall and very beautiful model ‘Violetta’ who has two outfits to wear, both dresses and a pair of simple white cross back heels.
I meet with the stylist to discuss the outfit, the models have a run-through of the catwalk and before I know it, it is Showtime.
The buzz is electric as we get the girls into their first looks, the hair and makeup is effortless, fresh and feminine.
I take this opportunity to snap a few shots of my favourite looks on my iPhone to save for later when I will upload them onto my Instagram.
The music starts; the complete line-up of models is a beautiful sight to be seen, creating an air of ‘Riviera Chic’ on this grey and rainy day in London.
The first girl is called and the show has begun.
Viewing the show on the monitors backstage I can see a packed gallery of fashions finest, watching and devouring this sight from the FROW.
A quick change for Violetta and straight back into the line-up, within a few moments it is all over.
The champagne corks pop, let the celebrations begin.
By Guildford’s IDA Girl: Emily-Jane
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With thanks to London Fashion Week, Saatchi Gallery, Jasper Conran and Bumble and Bumble.
