BTS: Styling at LFW
This article will transport you back stage of London Fashion Week, and educate you on the styling processes that lead up to the show date. I previously volunteered at Helen Anthony's 2024 London Fashion Week Show and I will be giving you all the inside knowledge on what goes behind the preparation for a sophisticated and glamorous show.
Before styling, comes casting calls and networking with PR fashion agents. Models will show up to the casting call and the designer will narrow down who he finds to be eligible for the show. During this process, members of the team are assigned to go off and receive accessories and shoes for the show from PR agents and brands. For example, I had to collect sunglasses from a PR agency in Finsbury.
Following casting calls and preparation, extensive production goes into the styling of looks and outfits for the fashion show. Models will attend the styling accordingly and the designer will assign them a set of looks and within this process the looks are photographed from front and side angle to document the looks chosen for the show.
High heels arranged by colour, poised and ready for styling!
Outfits photographed prior to arrangement.
Show day arrives following all of the prior preparation and the clothing pieces have been assigned and assembled for the runway. On show day, every element that has been prepared in advance will come to life. Due to the numerous tasks that still need to be completed, show day may be quite chaotic. Despite this, the chaotic ambiance displays the final preparations and adjustments before the show begins.
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Here is an example of the looks being photographed. It’s evident pops of colour were the direction for this runway show. There is an emphasis on monochrome and pairing the looks with accessories to match. Monochrome is timeless, regardless of what trends are in, monochromatic fashion still stands as a staple in fashion shows.
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It's time to organise the ensembles in the order they will appear in the fashion show when they have all been assembled and shot. The arrangement of the fashion ensembles on the runway is an important form of storytelling. Through purposeful arrangement of appearances, designers may lead viewers on a visual exploration.
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Outfits arranged in order for the runway.
Models in hair & makeup.
Firstly, the models are sent to get their hair, nails and makeup done. The makeup for this show was very minimal, with an occasional red lip. Since many of the clothes in this show are monochrome, it's critical that they stand out by wearing little makeup to draw the audience's attention to the clothing worn. Based on the shades of colour the model will be wearing, the nail technicians will choose which shade to paint the acrylic nails to match. For example, if a model appears with three different looks featuring the colours red, white, and black, it is quite probable that they will select the colour with the most vibrant hue. To direct viewers' attention towards the clothing, models' hair is frequently slicked back or kept out of their faces. Hair that has been slicked back or kept to the side provides a polished appearance that may accentuate and compliment the overall look of the fashion collection on display.
After, hair and makeup the models line up to
rehearse their walk down the runway. At this moment
they are not dressed and fitted as it is only a test run.
It's time to style the models into their clothing once the walk has been practiced. The fashion designer has the ability to quickly alter the ensembles or their arrangement on the catwalk in this period of time to make sure everything runs smoothly.
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During this time, guests, photographers and press arrive
and are seated accordingly.
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After everyone is seated and the models are all styled
and dressed it's time for the show to begin!
