[Inside of the tents there was a photo opportunity with these fabulous, and literal, “fashion plates”!]
Part III here we go! As I share my show, backstage, and lounge access, I’m still astonished by all that I did and saw in a week’s time!
My Land’s End tote bag (pictured above) is overflowing with my fashion week musts, ranging from the essential Rosebud Lip Salve to multiple charger (with my Boostcase Hybrid, which kept my phone alive), my Intel ThinkPad, Lumix camera, sunnies, a bevy of backstage passes and crednitals, winter hat, notebook, snacks, and more!
Do you find it glamorous to be a fashion week photographer? If so, here’s a look at the ‘pit,’ where they have to squat in a tiny space for the duration of the show. Still interested in being one? Let’s hope you’re not claustrophobic!
The glow of the blue lights backstage, seconds before the light comes on, the music blasts, and the first model walks out.
For a show that is supposed to “start” at 3pm, here’s the view from my perch at 3:15; as you can tell, most people are “fashionably late!”.
The Tracy Reese fall 2013 collection is based on a New York City girl, so naturally, the set includes a traffic light and ‘cement’ flooring. As the engineers put the last of the tiles into place on the runway, the ‘house’ is anxiously waiting to open. Completion time: 1:55pm; Showtime: 2pm– welcome to the world of fashion shows!
Shoes backstage at Clover Canyon — aren’t these just incredible? Made specifically for the show, these dazzling pumps were made by hand, by embellishing a pair of J.Crew heels — how splendid! Inspired by the Russian Ballet, there were even bedazzled ballerina shoes, that some models were displaying, on pointe!
I stopped by the Spanx suite duringf fashion week to check out their newest products, with favorite pieces including the pictured ultra-sexy black bodywear piece that has versatile strap options, and the swimsuit with an intrinsic knot design. Also on display were other categories including legwear, active wear, and even Spanx for men!
Kicking it at a breakfast and then a show (Michael Kors!!!) with my buds from TRESemmé, I learned about the latest products added to their armada of awesomeness and affordibility, including the Keratin Infusing Hair Serum along with Keratin Heat Protection Shine Spray, Shampoo, and Conditioner, Platinum Strength products to repair damage and replenish strands, and my personal favorite — the reformulated Fresh Start Dry Shampoo, which I use on a pretty steady basis of every other day. Jeanie Syfu, TRESemmé stylist, also presented two hair looks she created this season, the graceful ribbon hair tie look at Jenny Packham, and the ultra straight, blunt ‘do for Rebecca Minkoff (pictured above).
A very realistic view from the backstage, with master stylist Orlando Pita! Snapped backstage at Carolina Herrera, we have a model on a phone, Pita cracking a smile as he explains the steps, and an assistant aiding in the process.
Wigs!! Spotted backstage at Betsey Johnson! Rodney Cutler created the look, that involved securing the wig to a ponytail with an elastic, and basically just having fun with the movement and zany assorted colors.
Backstage at Helmut Lang, I got the look lowdown from Hannah Murray of NARS Cosmetics, who created a creamy complexion look based on amazing skin, with either stark, or muted eyebrows for the models. Essie created a matte, natural nail, while Paul Hanlon did 90’s mussed up sexy hair. I also love peeking at the clothes on the racks backstage; it’s truly a wonder how they come to life, and look completely different, on a body!
Toward the end of the week, I need to give my eyes a break, so my new cat eye frames from LensCrafters did the trick, while I stayed hydrated and full of Vitamin C with the ultra-delish Vita Coco! I know some people are obsessed with the different coco flavors, but I am strictly an original-formula girl.
[The custom nail color blend by Maybelline at Rachel Zoe; all images by Julia DiNardo]
