|
Zaldy: Dressers, Stylists & Make Up Artists
By Mari Davis
Photos by Visko Hatfield
Mar 27, 2002/ FW/ --- No matter how glamourous or beautiful a model is, they still need help
to look their best on the runway!
And the people who help them dress up for a show are dressers, stylists and make-up artists,
who together with the fashion designer come up with the total look.
And if you are thinking otherwise, i.e., you can live without these talented and hardworking
group, just think of Gwyneth Paltrow during the 2002 Oscars who "self-styled" herself.
Formerly Oscar fashion queen and one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, Gwyneth's looks
just did not click!
Braided hair, dark eye shadows and too much ruching on her dress! Albeit, it was an Alexander
McQueen creation, and Gwyneth Paltrow carried it well. But beautiful Gwynnie really need a stylist.
But there was no consistency in her looks, which in fashion terms is a disaster. Her braided
hair did not make sense and her eye-make up was two seasons late.
Now, that I've made my point, let's take a closer look at the unsung heroes of fashion shows -
the dressers, stylists and make-up artists who with their bare hands (literally) bring you the
most beautiful women in the world.
The stylists, dressers and make-up artist (which I will call "the crew" henceforth) comes in
even before the first model arrives.
The fashion designer, together with the show producer and head stylist had decided which dress
goes out first and which will be the grand finale.
In short, the "line-up" for the clothes on how it will be presented on the runway.
This group also decides the model who will be wearing the clothes. Usually, there will be fitting
before a few days before a show. This is mostly done with the top model.
The number of models and who will be modelling has been decided a few weeks hence or at least
a few days hence. And the clothes are made-to-measure for them.
That is why it is important for the dresser to know who's who. Each clothing article, including
accessories are labeled with the name of the model.
In fact, each girl has a "corner" so to speak, with her name and sometimes her photo and the list
of the dresses she would be wearing.
The backstage might look like a disaster area for the untrained eye, but believe me, the crew are
professionals. They know their jobs and most of the time, very organized.
All these preparations are done even before the first model arrives. Clothes are steamed or ironed,
make-up kits laid on the table, and the hairdressers have all their paraphernalia, from the blow
dryer to the last hair brush, and wigs and extenders if they are needed for the show.
When the models arrive, everyone gets to work. There is really no standard order on which is done first -
the clothes, make up or hair. It really depends on the outfit that the model will be wearing.
And of course, since there is very little time, some models might be getting their hair done while some
are having their make-up done.
Remember, everything has to be fast and perfect at the first try. The crew and the models has very little
time before the show starts. Usually, it takes 30 minutes to an hour to have a model ready.
The dresser and stylist have to help a model put on her clothes. From the top of her head to the tip of
her shoes, the dresser and stylist make sure that the model looks her best.
The clothes should also be show in the best possible light. Jewelry and accessories are also part of their
job.
They have everything ready for the model to wear.
The fashion designer who is also backstage supervises all of these and add the finishing touches if needed.
The designer is also the one who decides whether the model is ready or not.
Most of the time, it's only a little adjustment of the dress, hair or make-up. In fashion, there are always
little things and these little things count.
A few minutes before the show, everyone is ready. The music starts and the first model walks on the
runway.
|
