Backstage at Fashion Week '08

Ever been in a situation where you just don't know where to look because there is so much going on and that you are afraid to even blink because you might miss something? That about sums up my state when I spent my Saturday evening, backstage at the AIFW (Amsterdam's fashion week).

The vibe backstage was a clash of opposites; some of the crew were frantically running around the models trying to finish their looks; while others sat calmly reading magazines or chatted. There were just 2 shows left for the day (EnD & Antoine Peters) and the immense focus of the backstage crew made sure things ran relatively smoothly. When there were opportunities, I grabbed the chance to speak with Heath Roberts (Chef de cabine for the Antoine Peters show), and Anne (Chef de cabine for the EnD show). Both of these stylistic talents are part of the View Agency; an agency who represents some of the most talented hairstylists in the Netherlands. After all, this is why the AIFW chooses to work with View every time.

Image: Heath working intensely
For the Antoine Peters show, Heath explained that the designer wanted to toy with the Dutch phrase "Making an elephant of a mosquito". What became of that inspiration were hairstyles that were rather fun and upbeat. A few models graced the catwalk with front ponytails shaped into an elephant snout (see pic below). It was a little comedic but actually complemented the clothes rather well.

I can understand why this was Heath's most memorable show during fashion week. Unlike most shows where models from the same show all walked out with the same hairstyle, all the girls for this show walked out with slightly different styles. The models didn't mind it either. Heath, who speaks with a charming Australian accent which makes him a breeze to chat with, puts those around him at ease because of his relaxed demeanor and healthy-good looks. After all, anyone who has the ability to turn BFOG's hair into something appropriate is my personal hero and a great talent indeed!

A few styles from the Antoine Peters show

Image: Anne (in green) with her team
She must have been one of the easiest and friendliest people I talked to at the shows. And her experience working at the AIFW was apparent. Anne, who was the Chef de cabine for EnD's catwalk show, explained the stylistic concept for the hair. EnD's focus on geometric shapes for their S/S '09 collection meant that the hair had to be kept simple. Anne explained to me that they had decided on something more curvy; which meant a slicked back ponytail that was placed high on the back of the head. The volume in the tail, emphasized by wrapping the first 2 inches, is further enhanced by a curve at the end (see pic below). The hairstyle definitely finished the clothes and coincided with EnD's sporty yet feminine flare.

Anne also chatted about hair for this fall and winter and she seemed excited about creating looks with lots of big volume. I gathered that this will be a different kind of big hair than we have seen in the past (no more mattifying hair with hair powder). I can't wait to see more of Anne's work!

A closer look at the hairstyle for the EnD show

Anne's 2 favorite products to work with:

Redken Bulk Up ..............&.............Redken Fabricate 03

She said that the two products can be mixed together to give our hair textured volume without too much kink. These are both on my list to buy!

I stole a few moments to chat with Mandy, the General Director of View Agency, when she was not busy overseeing the slur of activities backstage. Not only was she a pleasure to talk to, she spoke proudly of what View has accomplished with its stellar team of stylists. She went on to explain candidly about why she thinks the agency has done so well. Her secret is in selecting a team of friendly personalities.

What was evident to me as I watched the team at work backstage was that everyone knew what they were responsible for and how to do it. There is no wonder that major brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and De Bijenkorf are among View's clients. View's support of The Hair School in Amsterdam has produced many top hairstylists as well, who now have the seal of approval of being represented by the agency. An even brighter future for the agency lies ahead. So watch out for them!


All images copyright of Grayburn

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