For as long as I can remember I have always had a special place in my heart for shoes, a fascination with my grandmother’s necklaces, and a general appreciation of style. Since kindergarten, I fawned over the high school girls in their prom dresses each year, and fantasized over the image in my head of my perfect dress. But it wasn’t until I came to the College of Charleston and volunteered for Charleston Fashion Week that I became enveloped in the world of fashion. I had never been to a runway show or understood the magnitude of work that goes into a collection. I had never considered a future career of mine could include fashion. I had never thought of fashion as art, only clothes. My fashion obsession, like most others, went as far as America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway, but that was it.
Last year, simply volunteering as a door holder or greeter at Charleston Fashion Week was enough to pull me in. But this year, I had the opportunity to work backstage as a Model Team Associate. The Model Team deals with anything and everything model related – by the end of the week we were sure to know all of the models’ names and faces. I was able to see the world of runway from a new perspective – behind the scenes.
The week began with unknowns and nerves. It progressed with a lot of hard work, spreadsheets, Starbucks, laughter, breakdowns (followed by sincere apologies), and even more Starbucks. The week concluded with tears, hugs, dancing, and piñata bashing. I could not be more thankful and appreciative to the people who surrounded me at Charleston Fashion Week. The week was definitely one for the books!
If I have learned nothing else from my experience with Charleston Fashion Week, I now know the importance of living life for moments. Moments like the excitement of a six year old before her first walk on the runway; moments like the smile of a designer as she sees her creations come to life; moments watching the transformation of a full look quick change in less than a minute; and moments of brief introductions with fashion icons such as Fern Mallis, even if it’s just in passing. I look back on these moments and can’t figure out how an entire week turned into what feels like ten minutes. It isn’t easy to explain without having experienced it, but I hope to share some of these moments with you through pictures!
Moment: shameless selfie after walking the runway to help set the lighting
Moment: backstage before the Belk show at the Raise the Runway MUSC Charity Luncheon
Moment: rainbow stylings from Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant
Moment: last sight before the models hit the runway
Moment: Afriyie Poku‘s crash of relief after making his return to CFW as last year’s winner of the Emerging Designer competition
Moment: boys. Need I say more?
Moment: phenomenal work from the hair and makeup team led by Ashley Brook Perryman
Moment: Rock the Runway Model Competition rehearsal
Moment: Rock the Runway models cast shadows backstage
Moment: Emerging Designer Competition finalist Angela Bacskocky gives her models some last minute guidance before showtime
Moment: designs by Angela Bacskocky pre-runway
Moment: backstage look at Emerging Designer Competition finalist Justin LeBlanc‘s collection
Moment: CFW Model Coach Michelle Wood inspires Brandon Sun models backstage
Moment: a crowd surrounds this gorgeous gown before Bridal Saturday morning
Moment: final day in Fashion Villiage – until next time, CFW!
Moment: models gather to wait for the announcement of this year’s Emerging Designer winners! Congratulations to Anna Toth and Leah and Rebecca Plante!