A Fashion Blogger's First Fashion Week Experience

A few months ago, I received an email from one of the coordinators of Vancouver Fashion Week inviting me to attend and have full access to shows and backstage. My initial thought was, "heck yes!" as I was beyond thrilled to not only be invited to fashion week but also have a peek at what really goes on behind the scenes of a fashion show. My backstage pass allowed me to go anywhere and everywhere and today I want to share my experience with you. I would have loved to attend the full week, but due to travel plans, I was only able to attend the finale show. Read on for a full inside scoop on how models prepare for the runway, a peak into hair and make-up pre-runway, a look into some of the designers showcased and my overall thoughts and feelings attending the SS17 show.

I started off the evening taking my seat in the front row to preview a couple of the John Casablanca Institute collections as well as a stunning formalwear collection by Sam Stringer. Watching fashion on a runway is like finally being able to watch your favourite music artist in concert, in the front row, but 1000 times better. I felt so much excitement seeing each garment float down the runway to eventually complete a cohesive collection.

 Photo by Oliver Mann

Vesuvius by Sam Stringer; Photo by Oliver Mann

It was hard to peel myself away from my chair, but I thought it would be a good idea to witness some pre-runway action. I decided to head on back behind the LED screen where I found an army of models dressed and ready to strut.  I always pictured backstage feeling and looking chaotic, but surprisingly I found the overall mood pretty calm. There were a lot of people crammed into a small space helping with last-minute wardrobe, make-up and hair touch-ups- enough to give me a little
anxiety/claustrophobia.

Gowns by Sharleez Concept

I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to ask some of the models how they calmed their nerves pre-runway. I received a response from 3 beautiful girls:











"I listen to whatever music is playing...the beat...and start dancing. [It] gets me excited to be on the runway and [I] feel less nervous"

-Georgia wearing Zeyi

Photo by Oliver Mann

"I take deep breaths..."

-Michelle wearing Johanna DiNardo

Photo by Oliver Mann

"I just go for it...push myself and do the best I can"

-Danijela wearing Zeyi

 Photo by Oliver Mann

Afterwards, I went upstairs to hair and make-up to witness more magic taking place. Being a blogger, I am constantly in front of a camera, sometimes in front of an audience, in a public place and it can be quite awkward. I met two models in hair and thought, who better to ask than the pros at being photographed for any tips on being in front of a camera. I was met with some juicy tips:

"Think Murder...fierce...express with your eyes and smize (smile with your eyes). [Remember to] own your look and use all your angles well".

-Justine wearing Johanna Dinardo

Photo by Oliver Mann

"Familiarize yourself with your body and the way you move... [and remember to constantly] practice good posture"

-Sophia wearing Sharleez Concept

Photo by Oliver Mann

All-in-all it was an experience to remember. I loved being able to see how all the pieces of the fashion show puzzle piece fit together. You would never realize how many people and how much preparation it takes to create a 3-5 minutes show.

 Johanna DiNardo; Photo by Oliver Mann

 Zeyi; Photo by Oliver Mann

Photo by Oliver Mann

Have you had the chance to attend fashion week or a fashion show before? What was your experience like?

I will be sharing my full outfit details in an upcoming post, so stay tuned

*A Special thanks to Van Fashion Week for having me and Oliver Mann for the photography.