Backstage at London Fashion Week: My Internship Experience with Marques Almeida

A bit of a different one today! Mimi is taking a step back and our amazing marketing assistant Sofia makes her Journalism debut to explain her experience working behind the scenes at London Fashion Week at the Marques Almeida show!

Written by Sofia Gething:

Ever wondered what it’s like backstage at a fashion show? The preparation that goes on right up to the very second the show starts. The chaos that leads to the beauty of the final production.

This September, I was given the opportunity to intern backstage at a London Fashion Week show, more specifically for the designer Marques Almeida. With no previous experience in the industry, only my knowledge I had learned from my first year at fashion college in London.

I had no idea what to expect or exactly what I would be doing, however, I did know that this experience would be so incredible... 

Arriving at the show location:

Horizon 22 in Central London. Such a beautiful location for the show, being located on the 59th floor, the view, as expected, was breathtaking. As I arrived I was filled with such anticipation and the nerves were overwhelming! As I was waiting outside the building to be let in, I started speaking with some of the other interns who were just as nervous and excited as I was. 

Walking into the location, the nerves soon turned to pure excitement as we could now see large light fixtures and seating arrangements being installed. I could see the artistry and meticulous planning of the show coming together. 

Pre - Show Prep

Scarves all laid out...

After a while of waiting, nervously anticipating what we were going to be doing we were assigned roles to help prep for the show. I started by folding the colourful scarves that had to be perfectly laid in a colour coordinated pattern on each guest's seat. 

After this, I was asked if I could iron and steam clothes, thank goodness for GCSE textiles, otherwise I wouldn’t have been any good at this! I felt the pressure of ironing designer pieces that, in a couple of hours, would be on the runway. I kept telling myself, ‘You really can’t mess this up.’ Luckily, everything was all good, no burns or marks - I had my fingers and toes crossed at all points! 

Before the actual show, there is always a rehearsal run-through to ensure everything goes smoothly. And I was assigned to dress a model that had an outfit change during the show. I had to make sure I knew the quickest way to get the first look off and get the second look on, which was a beautiful butter yellow maxi dress, with an incredible bow on the shoulder. 

During this time, I also helped other models get into their outfits, one of which was actually Mimi’s friend. (they are with the same agency. Small world!) As everyone in the team was rushing around, ensuring all the models were dressed. One of the designers, Paulo Almeida, came around and checked that he was happy with everything before the models took to the runway! It was truly exhilarating to be in this kind of environment for the first time. 

15 minutes before the show started, all models were dressed in their looks, getting final adjustments made to hair and makeup. My model, Laura, whom I was assigned to, was one of the first in line to walk because of her outfit change after the first look. I kept telling her she was going to smash it. 

The Debut

Finally, the show was starting, I could hear the music echoing from the runway, and the models began to walk around the corner heading to the catwalk. Me and the other interns anxiously waiting for them to come back around, prepping their quick look changes. 

In no time, she was back, and I had to be quick getting her heels off and into the next. I ensured the dress was placed perfectly and the bow was tied correctly, sitting exactly where it should on the shoulder. I held the train, walking her over to the queue once again, ready for the second round! 

The second look!

I felt so relieved watching her walk off, knowing everything went smoothly and the runway show was complete. Everyone in the team was so happy after the show, applauding the models and the designers as they walked backstage. The energy was electric.

After the show, I worked on getting my model back out of the outfit and packing away all the designs and shoes into suitcases. It took around 20 minutes to gather all the garments, heels, hangers and accessories, all together. 

I was having such a good time I even offered to stay behind and help clear up the space, picking up any leftover water bottles and rubbish. And then, suddenly, it was over, I thanked the PR executive who hired me to be an intern as I was leaving. For the incredible experience and chance to help with the show. 

The Follow - Up 

I followed up with an email to the PR executive the day after the show to thank her again and express how much I would love to come back next season to intern if they would have me. She was very appreciative and said she would keep in touch for next time! 

Overall, this was such an incredible and valuable experience to gain insight into the industry, and I'd really recommend putting yourself out there to get these invaluable experiences! I met some amazing fashion students who were also interning, and even some of the models - connecting with them on social media!

Being a part of the show, even in a small way, was such an honour, and I would do it again in a heartbeat if the opportunity came my way again. 

With Love, 

Sofia x