Makeup, mayhem, slay: Unfiltered BTS deets from fashion weeks

The GRWM reels on social media may look interesting with over five changes in a couple of minutes, but doing that for ramp isn’t that glamorous. For models doing it real time is exhausting. “Getting ready is a chaotic, mechanical process. If we are doing it for fashion weeks (which are usually for the duration of 2-5 days), we actually feel like a robot. It is just 9am and I’m already on my third cup of black coffee,” shares Monika, a Delhi-based model.
From stories about the endless coffee runs – here’s a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes action of organised chaos and lots of glam – at fashion shows.

‘Always remember the choreography’
“Changing our outfits and makeup becomes hectic but is also fun. Just before the show, there are butterflies in my stomach, each time, every time. Amid all the backstage hustle, the main thing is to remember the choreography,” says Anjali, a model.

"It’s extremely stressful, but in between shows, I try to find some peace and brace myself for the next showcase. The one thought I have in mind while walking the ramp is to show the designer’s garment in the best light," adds Marcha Gonsalvez, a model.

Sanea Sheikh, a model, "The outcome drives me to deal with the chaos behind every walk. Once a model starts walking the ramp, the entire team's effort is on display. This industry has taught me to have patience. Even after years of grinding and waiting on makeup chairs for hours and numerous rehearsals, this organised chaos is all worth it - I love it. I don't depend on caffeine to keep me going!"

‘No mantra to keep calm’
“There’s no mantra to find composure amid the off-ramp drama, but I keep chanting to calm my nerves. I also look up to my seniors, who have been modelling for so many years,” says model Tamanna Katoch. “After a long day of walking the ramp and after-party, models want their coffee to arrive as they sit on the chair in the makeup room. First show se pehle unki excitement dekhne wali hoti hai, they need their lipstick, liner and contour to be just perfect. By the end of the day, after changing outfits and looks multiple times, last show aane tak kehti hain, ‘Bas jaldi se makeup kardo,’” says Sunita, a makeup artist.

Megha, a model, shares, "The makeup room is our hangout and chill zone, jahan sara gossip hota hai. Fashion show ke din, hum subah aate hain goggles laga kar baith jaate hain; only black coffee keeps me going before the first show. But as the day progresses, I become energetic and enjoy walking the ramp."

Pics: Lokesh Kashyap