The Magic of Milan
“ The first time my fashion and styling work had taken me abroad, I remember feeling an uncharted level of enthusiasm...it was like the girls trip of my dreams!”
The opportunity to be a backstage styling coordinator at an ‘On Schedule’ runway show in a major fashion capital of the world was one of the most important career moves I have made thus far. Working for a designer I’ve been privileged to see grow and evolve over a number of years, this show was (in more ways than one) a magical milestone for us both!
The first time my fashion and styling work had taken me abroad, I remember feeling an uncharted level of enthusiasm...it was like the girls trip of my dreams! Fashion, Friends and Fun! I intended to soak up every ounce of experience to fulfil my euphoric excitement! Now, of course, a key part to any trip is the travelling. I LOVE flying (seriously, any chance I get to hop on a plane to international shores and I’m off lol) and I wanted to share my adventures with a fellow industry creative. As the designer travelled with her family and several models, hair and make up teams also made their way in their respective groups, I suggested to a photographer friend who was shooting the show that we travel and stay together. We found a suitable and well located apartment close to the event’s venue to be our base.
As neither of us had previously visited Milan, we booked a couple of extra days before the show to take in the sights and consume the culture. Top of our touristy list was the famous cathedral ‘Duomo di Milano'. From its gothic architectural exterior design towering 520ft, the picturesque paintings on the stained glass windows and overlooking the city from the rooftop, it was a highlight that I would definitely recommend including in the itinerary. Next on our list was the major landmark, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. For our fashion focused trip, this was a must! Italy’s oldest active shopping mall is filled with luxury designer clothing and accessory brands which sit alongside the array of restaurants, cafes and bars under the iron and glass arches. It was really nice to see it all first hand but before we knew it, the evening arrived and as it was the night before the show, it was time to step up the preparations...first up, fittings.
If any disbelief remained about this great opportunity, it was quickly dispelled by the sight of over 25 models all eagerly awaiting their turn amongst the sea of fabrics, colours and prints in the designs being allocated to each one. A fusion of fresh and familiar faces from castings held in the UK and abroad, they all brought life to the eclectically elegant vision that was due to be presented through the designer’s collection less than 24 hours later. Looks were agreed as we liaised with key hair and make up team members throughout. A little before 2am and we were finally done! One sleep away from adding a Milan Fashion Week AW18 show to my styling portfolio!
5 hours later, we rose to start what was to be a momentous day. My photographer friend and I made the short walk to the venue where any remaining tiredness was replaced with adrenaline as we arrived to see a number of people buzzing around like fashionable flies. As showtime grew ever closer, hair and make up teams prepared the models accordingly as myself and other members of the styling team prepped the clothing for the catwalk. In what seemed like a blink of an eye, rehearsals were complete, guests were taking their seats and final pre show tweaks were being made. As the music began, with the guests glancing and photographers poised, one by one the models rocked the runway revealing the detail of each design. As the show’s inspiration was the designer’s grandmother, it was fittingly closed with full length gown with a Star of David detail on the back paying homage to her Jewish heritage. Upon conclusion, the designer received a rapturous applause and was followed in a finale walk by all backstage team members. Press interviews were completed and post show pictures were taken to savour memories and before we knew it, it was time to pack up, toast to an extraordinary experience and head home.
To summarise: This was a brilliant trip which will forever bring fond memories (so much so, I still have the song from the show on my playlist and listen to it regularly). The only thing I would change is the amount of time we had. It was the middle of Fashion Week and there were other designers from my network who were showcasing their collections so it would have been nice to go to their shows also. Other than that, I really enjoyed it.
