By working closely with the designer and lead stylist, hair and makeup teams are able to create the show’s overall visual aesthetic that is cohesive with the collection. Various rounds of tests are done in the days leading up to the show, sometimes even on the day of. From there, the leads create a similar board of information that breaks down all the details for the stylists that will be working on models backstage the day of the show. Right before the models arrive, the lead stylist rounds up their entire team and does a full styling of 1 model.
Hair leads will style a model’s hair exactly from start to finish, show their team the products to use and how much. Similarly, makeup leads will do a full-face breaking down the exact colors and products used. This way, the team is briefed and knows exactly what to do. The goal is to have every single model look as though the same stylist did every model’s makeup or hair.
Once models arrive onsite, it’s all hands on deck because there is usually very limited time to get everything done. Sometimes, designers will include nail styling in their show which means nail technicians will be doing this entire process with their team and sometimes, based on time, will work on models’ nails while they are getting their hair or makeup done.
The types of styles and colors used for hair and makeup can be outrageous and time consuming, making the stylists’ jobs stressful if models arrive later than scheduled due to delays from other shows they’re coming from. Designers like the late Alexander McQueen were notorious for using hair and makeup as an integral (and wild!) part of the show and an unmistakable element in the fantasy he produced season after season.
My niece was charged a large fee for the opportunity to work fashion week at an offsite fashion show that was very unprofessional. Do you have any information for scams in the industry?
Thanks Maria after a huge change in my life I’m interested in getting into fashion this article is everything I need to know my name is Howard H maybe I’ll meet you some day working at a show or a magazine who knows ! God bless you