Did you work London Fashion Week this year? Edmar Mascarenhas shares his experience of working at London Fashion Week, take notes!
If I had to give someone assisting for the first time some advice, I would say that you need to be passionate, confident and know that you do have all the skills you need. The first time I did London Fashion Week, I was more inexperienced and it was overwhelming.
When you’ve got a great lead stylist, they will explain everything clearly and supportively. I recently worked with Philipp Haug and Schwarzkopf Professional for the AW24 shows. When you first arrive, you will be shown the step-by-step on the first model. When I’ve worked at Fashion Week, it’s always been a great display of teamwork. I do Afro hair and it’s great to see more models with textured hair walking – and more importantly as hairdressers, we have to cater to everyone’s hair.
My favourite look I created was for Frolov, a Ukrainian designer. What made it even more impactful was knowing that some of the models were refugees, displaced by the ongoing conflict in their homeland. It was calm backstage, really relaxed and the hair was undone and angelic. Although it takes a lot of effort to make hair look effortless!
I used to do fashion weeks back in Brazil where I’m from, but it was in the 2000s and it was a different kind of environment. I had the idea that it would be harder in London and more challenging. But it wasn’t. You just need confidence in your work.
Other things you’ll need? Comfy shoes (you’ll be on your feet for six hours plus!), discipline, a desire to be there and always make the most of your experience. Once you’ve got into the swing of things and you’ve done your second and third look – you’re away!
If you’re thinking about it, get out of behind the chair – assisting at fashion week is an amazing experience, you will see the birth of fashion backstage! You’ll get to see the textures of hair, fabric, different personalities, make-up – all in one room. Yes, you need to deliver all those looks in a tight time frame and the days can be long, but the time flies when you’re having fun.
Read next: Backstage at London Fashion Week AW24