I spent the majority of last week looking on as Maybelline and Redken’s dream teams prepared models for each of the 30 runway shows backstage at Toronto’s World MasterCard Fashion Week. Within an hour a model could be transformed into three different looks. It was amazing how well-run backstage was this year. Designers commented on how relaxing it was to know their models were in such good hands.
Maybelline’s makeup team was led by Lead Makeup Artist Grace Lee, who was the true star of backstage. You could see her messing around, taking silly selfies with Erin Wasson, chatting with the dozens of beauty writers trying to get a quote, and expertly directing her team.
Redken’s hair team had Jorge Joao, the Lead Artist and Stylist for the week. Imagine having to assemble and take apart 30 hairstyles? It was no easy task, but his team members from salons all over Ontario told me that Jorge had everything so well-organized that each look went off without a hitch.
And taking care of the nails all week was Essie’s team led by Rita Remark. They created trendsetting looks for each show on false nails that the models could remove the minute they walked off the runway and have a new set on for the next show in minutes. It was all pretty impressive.
The backstage Maybelline media lounge was a saving grace. Fresh cookies and coffees were available 24/7. You can’t make it through 5 days and 30 shows without that much sugar! Seeing all my fave beauty editors and bloggers is always a highlight. Catching up with all the gals is one of the perks of Fashion Week.
While the shows take place on the runway, the real action is backstage. Here are some of my favourite backstage shots of the week:
Photo Credit: Jake Rosenberg, The Coveteur
