How to make working backstage at fashion week a reality

Alice Trout is 20 and a stylist for the Matthew Curtis creative team. This season she will be working backstage at fashion week with Matthew in New York - here's how she landed the job. How did you get the chance to work at New York Fashion Week? This will be my first experience working with Matthew Curtis and the creative team at New York Fashion Week. I currently work for Matthew as a stylist in the salon in Stratford-upon-Avon. Alongside this, he's been getting me involved in different session projects such as styling for red carpet events and TV campaigns. Matthew is great at encouraging us to get involved in hair projects outside of the salon so it's really exciting to be part of his team. Have you ever done any work at fashion week before? This will be my first season at any Fashion Week event. I’m beyond excited about the experience and although it will be my first time, I feel I'll adapt quickly and easily as I'm used to working with a large team in a session environment. How are you preparing for the shows? I'm keeping myself up to date with current trends in fashion and hair by browsing through the glossy and hair magazines, the Internet and key social media channels such as Instagram, I'm always finding looks that inspire me. What are your expectations for your time in New York? I'm expecting my time in New York to be early starts and long days, filled with fashion-forward hair that I can't wait to bring back and share with my clients in the salon. What are you most looking forward to? Meeting an inspirational team, assisting Matthew and seeing how hair can impact and really bring an outfit together. Is there anything you’re nervous about? I'm nervous - but excited - about styling so many models in a short space of time. I know that all the nerves will disappear and the adrenaline will kick in once I'm in the moment backstage. What are the must-haves in your kit bag? Dry shampoo is a must-have. It's perfect for prepping hair for an updo and for freshening hair when it's down. Another versatile product is mousse. Mousse is great for transforming a style and creating different textures. Are there any models that you’re excited to potentially see? I know that British models Cara Delevingne, Jourdan Dunn and Suki Waterhouse often walk for designers in New York and it would be incredible if I could work with or even just see a show that they're in! Do you have any idea of the looks you’ll be creating yet? Looking back at past seasons, there has been lots of effortless hair to suit the everyday woman's busy lifestyle, so we're expecting this trend to be prominent. I think we will likely see some sleek, straight looks too. What advice would you give to any stylists looking to get into session work? Be enthusiastic, don't let nerves get to you and say yes to every opportunity that you’re given! Find out more about the Visas required to work in the States here!