Behind all the glitz and glamour, lies a world of hairspray, foundation and flashbulbs blending together to create what us normal folk would call a fashion show. However, to these creators of beauty, this ‘mere’ fashion show is as much a showcase of hair and beauty as it is of clothes. On Project Catwalk one night, Judge and designer Julien Macdonald commented on a models hair as well as the outfit, proving that along with the garment, hair and make-up can either complete an outfit or break it.

The annual GKT (Guy’s, King’s College and St. Thomas Hospital) Charity fashion show took place on March 6^th at Sway Bar, Holborn, London aiming to raise over £4,000 for various charities, so I took this opportunity to witness the making of this fabulous event.

Various different designers and high street stores lent out their clothes; including French Connection, PINK and Nicole Farhi, as well as independent boutiques and designers, such as Chica Boutique, Kink (a label based in Portobello Market) and n-e-a-t.

H.O.B salons, based in North West London, provided their services by creating picture perfect hair that was different from your everyday look. It reminded me of a scene from America’s Next Top Model; almost everyone had their hair changed, yet managed to pull off the look and stay spectacular.

Compressed into one tiny room around 30 models waited to be transformed in rotation by teams of make-up artists and hairdressers. Photographers constantly captured every move, add in the organisers and myself and it made for a hectic scene! Imagine the smallest corner in London and the whole of Oxford Street wanting to be in it - okay, maybe not as extreme!

“At the majority of Fashion Shows that I’ve witnessed, although it’s very manic, a professional attitude is constantly carried out,” commented Nash from Nicole Farhi.

Sam, Lisa and Natalie, the three make-up artists from Glam R Us, toyed with the themes of gold, pink and smoky eyes. Models were like a blank canvas instantly transformed into a flamboyant masterpieces. Heavier than your everyday make-up under the bright lights of the catwalk make-up artists can afford to go stronger with tone and application. The hot pink and shimmering gold, for example, on model Stephanie Adu’s dark complexion, contrasted well bringing a softness to her eyes.

Hair and make-up completed and it was time for the models to change into their first outfits. No time for modesty here as each model stripped down to their underwear next to their ordered rail of outfits.

Witnessing the process of this event has given me insight into the dramas, disasters and organisation that go hand in hand in creating such an understated event. People wonder why so much effort and frustration is experienced by people involved in fashion shows, however, I can validate that the amount of work that goes into parading each model up and down a catwalk is not easy. So I congratulate all those that were involved in the GKT Charity Fashion Show. Good job guys!

By Petrina De Gouttes

Images by Petrina De Gouttes

& Kaori Woodbine www.kaori.co.uk