|
CFW 2010: Friday Night
Printer-friendly version
Backstage Friday night during Charleston's chic retail runway shows
Photo gallery:
Arriving backstage, I found a completely different set of looks from last night’s makeup. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Thursday night’s intensity and edge, but V2V’s whimsical floral headpieces and Ashley Reid’s ethereal eyelashes were a breath of fresh spring air while Gwynn’s funky airbrushed lightning bolts paid tribute to David Bowie.
The softer, fun looks perfectly complemented the mood backstage, where everyone seemed to have fully gotten into their groove... literally. Models for Teal busted a move with ever-upbeat model coordinator Travis O’Dell, and Katie Kern and Anna Davis, lined up for Mary Mojo, could be found rocking to the beat as well. The horsing around and fanny shaking ended the minute the shows began, however. Everyone was all business once they stepped on the catwalk.
Backstage spirits were high, thanks to complimentary Red Bull and the awesome runway jams, but things got a little more hectic as the night progressed. There were three separate cosmetic clouds looming on the Charleston Fashion Week horizon; a bronze mist of artificial tanner swirled by the edge of the King Street Studio seamless while steady jets of black eye makeup streamed from Ashley Brook Perryman’s station and the usual dense fog of hairspray hovered over the Stella Nova tables.
The first set of shows flew by, but backstage the energy downgraded a bit after the break. Every model, stylist, CFW staff member, and retail liaison has been putting in 110 percent of their time and energy in to this year’s Charleston Fashion Week, many after attending school or day jobs, and everyone was in need of a quick pick me up before the second half of runway shows.
Runway coach Michelle Wood came backstage to help re-energize the models, but nothing energizes models like a few cans of Red Bull, a quick change between shows, and absolute backstage chaos. “Excuse me! Coming through,” a makeup artist yelled. She came hurtling down the red-taped backstage “express lane” with a half-changed, tottering model in tow, and I dove out of the way to avoid being tackled. Who knew blogging was a contact sport?
All too soon the fabulous C. Lewis Reid show drew to a close to wild applause, and Friday night’s shows were over. The crowd began filtering out into the chilly March night, and behind the curtain the models noshed on pizza and changed clothes for the last time. “I have no idea where my clothes are,” model Brooke Hohman remarked. “I think I left clothes in every room.” ...Under other circumstances, I’d find that statement a little unsettling.
Everyone left the tents happy but exhausted. It’s been a rewarding but long week for models, photographers, and CFW staff alike, and the Bridal Couture show tomorrow made a full night’s sleep a necessity for CFW insiders and Charleston fashionistas alike. Did this deter the chic crowd from hitting the after parties at Shine or Halls Chophouse? Please. This is still Charleston Fashion Week, people!
