There are only certain moments in fashion when you get a glimpse of the size of the machine you're actually dealing with. The second you step foot backstage at a fashion show, you're in awe. The frisson is tangible: there's tension, excitement, nervousness, elation (and a lot of steam) in the air. Models in their skivvies are teetering around on alpine heels, stylists and designers are frantically pinning and fumbling with hems and cuffs and pr execs are giving curt orders in earpieces and clutching on to clipboards. Amazing.
I went backstage at Miele Catwalk last night, which is one of the biggest fashion shows in Belgium. This year's theme combined food and fashion, so we had top Belgian chefs preparing hors d'oeuvres and even walking the runway for the different fashion lines that were taking part. I spent most of my time with Essentiel's founder Inge Onsea and head womenswear designer Tom. A truly amazing duo, such great senses of humour combined with an infallible sense of style and colour, one of Essentiel's main selling points. I trailed behind Bruno Van Gils, founder of Café Costume, a brand that prides itself on excellent men's tailoring for a reasonable fee. I also chatted with the vibrant Cléo and Sarah of Black Balloon, an up and coming brand with lots of promise and that real Gantoise free vibe. All of this together with my good friend, the talented Alessia of The Red Dot! But enough talk, let me take you backstage!
Washing machines - by Miele, obv - customised by the designers.
Black Balloon try-out, with musical assistance by the great boys of Willow!
Dangerous fashions by Joanne Vanden Avenne!
Essentiel's Tom and Inge inspecting the try-outs
The master chefs practise their sassiest struts (l.t.r. Wout Bru, Yves Mattagne, Viki Geunes & Wim Ballieu)
Backstage at hair and make-up.
Time for the Essentiel fitting! I'm sure most of you won't mind the abundance of male splendour..
Meanwhile at the Café Costume corner:
Legendary Belgian male model and Prada AW12 runway star Michel De Windt was walking for Café Costume, what a moment! Founder Bruno makes some last-minute adjustments, he also streetcasted all the models himself and some are his friends. My favourite suit was the speckled harris tweed one, by the way.
Here's the talented designer Tim Van Steenbergen browsing the racks (I'm a total paparazzo)
The show was about to start, but not yet. So what do the models have to do? Wait!
Here's a picture of my three sweethearts: Tiany, Marie and Alessia!
And finally a picture of Essentiel's Tom and me, he really is such fun!
I hope you guys enjoyed this pretty exclusive view behind the scenes, I sure had such a thrilling evening. Thanks for having me!
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