When you hear about Fashion Week you probably imagine elite meetings, and cocktail parties. overwhelming amount of glow and diamonds and most importantly the inimitable outfits. You are not wrong. But that’s the guest’s perspective. Is it as glamourous backstage? What does it look like and is it actually considered as a big achievement?
How Fashion Weeks came to life
Embarking on the journey through the history of Fashion Weeks is like flipping through the pages of a captivating style storybook. Picture this: back in 1943, New York Fashion Week stepped onto the scene, adding a splash of glam during World War II. Soon, Paris, Milan, and London joined the runway party, turning into global style capitals. As the fashion fever spread, cities like São Paulo, Berlin, and Moscow grabbed their seats at the fashion table. These events, once VIP-only affairs, evolved into cultural celebrations, applauding both established icons and rising stars. Fast-forward to the digital age, where Fashion Weeks danced into virtual realms, showing their adaptability. Beyond the runway dazzle, there's a conscious shift happening, with sustainability and inclusivity vibes becoming part of the fashion rhythm. The history of Fashion Weeks isn't just about clothes; it's a dynamic tale of creativity, societal changes, and a worldwide passion for style.
How Fashion Weeks work?
I used to think this whole fashion spectacle takes place in one massive, mystery building. I imagined it to be like a scene from a theatrical play where each department is a distinct act, each floor a separate scene, and every designer's collection a carefully crafted performance. The runway becomes the grand stage, and the models, like skilled actors, bring life to the designer's script with every step. The backstage hustle and bustle? Well, that's the chaotic yet enchanting backstage drama, where the magic unfolds behind the curtains, akin to the behind-the-scenes chaos of a captivating theater production. In my mind, Fashion Week was this theatrical extravaganza, each show a captivating act in the grand play of style and creativity only available to the most respected elite.
You can only imagine how surprised I was to learn that I have several locations to attend. Suddenly my big mystery building fall apart like a simple block of cards. But honestly I wouldn’t want it any other way. The diversity of messages delivered during each show deserve special surroundings to create a full experience.
A lot of people, a lot of chaos
Fashion shows happen quickly, and happen often. Each designer has their own PR agency, models, make-up artists and hair stylists. The showcase of the collections doesn’t take longer than fifteen minutes so sometimes shows are scheduled in the same location hour after hour. The stress, the heat, the overload and general nervousness caused by a simple human nature – the need of doing and showing your best. The backstage usually is filled to the top with people, there’s no place nor time for the slaloms around. Everyone’s designated to their part of the building. It creates this false perspective that wherever we stand or whatever we do we contribute to the success despite of playing an absolutely needless role. Is there even a minute to chit-chat with these amazing professionals? You might ask. Of course there is! And the chaotic nature of fashion show’s schedules makes it easier to skip the small talk to get to more meaningful stuff like getting to know people’s ambitions or future dreams.
How tired are you?
Whoever gets even slightly excited in fashion knows the famous survey done by one of the journalists during Paris Fashion Week. They asked models if they get tired during the events and what are the symptoms of their tiredness. The answers were absolutely shocking. Some models use to forget which city they are currently in, others take little standing naps when queued right before the shows. Most of them don’t even have the energy to chitchat backstage.
I decided to ask the same questions my newly made friends and models during SS2023 Fashion Week. The answers weren’t any less surprising. Being a model is not as glamourous as it initially seems. In reality it’s a hard, and not that good payable job. Most of models have to take up other gigs to maintain their livelihood. Whenever they get the chance and the opportunity, they do the shows. Sometimes several a day in different parts of the city where most has to get on their own. Being a model also requires an immaculate poise. Those are the days when usually exist on one small smoothie and some fruits. Out of their own choice to be fair. The stress, chaos, tiredness, not getting enough sleep, and striving for goals can be dispiriting but whenever I asked them if they would do it again the answer always was: “For a million times “yes””.
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