What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?

All of the glamour, grace, and allure that is executed on the runways seems to make those six months of slaving away in the design studio all worth it. And while the result is beautiful, behind the scenes... it's pure chaos. Whether you're a model or a hair dresser, a blogger or a makeup artist, you'll know just how insane backstage can AND will be at any fashion show.

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?
What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?
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Fashion Week is that special time of year when girls all around the world come together in pointy toe pumps to see the immaculate creations of their favorite designers (some of which they may be able to properly pronounce). And with egos at an all time high (similar to the price tags of their purses), insanity is sure to transpire.

But what you may or may not know is that along with all of the style & sophistication that appears on the runway​ comes a backstage catastrophe. So many lights, enough food to feed an army, and naked models EVERYWHERE. Here are all of the things that happen backstage at a fashion show, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

 
So many lights

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?
Kevin Tachman

 
No, this is not heaven, just backstage. Pro tip: pack a pair of sunglasses.

Makeup artists EVERYWHERE

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?
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Are they here to do makeup or taking a pit stop before they head to Penn Station with their suitcases? At a 6:1 makeup artist to model ratio, those models better be looking flawless!

There is SO MUCH FREE FOOD

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?


In beautiful arrangements one can only dream of. Literally everything you could ever need, for free! And most of it will remain untouched.

Not to mention, enough Diet Coke to fill six swimming pools

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?


After all, hydration is key.

Even model's hair is shampooed with SmartWater

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?


Gotta keep your mind power high somehow.

Models resemble aliens from another planet

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?


Don't worry, they're harmless, we promise.

Weaves are not in short supply

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?


How else could models look so unbe-weavable?

Nor is hairspray

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?


What's an ozone layer?

Everyone is prepared for injury. Fashionably, of course.

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?


Not your average first aid kit.

The clothes are guarded by security like Monet's Water Lilies at the Met

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?


Don't even dare stare in their direction, the white of your eyes may fade the snow white Chantilly lace.

There are even professional dressers

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?


​​Were you hoping to help dress the models and touch Karlie Kloss's foot when putting on on her glass slipper? Well think again, they have professionally trained model dressers to do that. The closest you'll be getting to Miss Kloss is a Karlie's Kookie at Momofuko .

Inspiration boards are endless

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?


Models can and will be treated like pieces of meat, or chicken legs for that matter.

Naked models are EVERYWHERE

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?


Once the show begins, these girls have no time to be shy. With a 15 second changing time from look to look, it's survival of the fittest.

Photographers are scrambling everywhere

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?


Do they know just how many pictures they are actually taking? Perhaps they are making a stop motion video....

When the show ends, it's every man for himself

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?
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Reporters, stylists, and editors will trample backstage to exchange kind words with the designer all before everyone is kicked out before the next show begins. Oh, the cycle of the fashion show life.


So much crazy for a show that lasts but 15 minutes, right? Well if you ask us, we think it's worth it.​

What Really Goes On Backstage At A Fashion Show?

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This piece was written by Lindsay Reed. Follow her @lindsayreednyc!

A staff account at Livingly Media - the home of zimbio.com, stylebistro.com, lonny.com, and livingly.com.
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