WORDS BY NFC STUDENT LAURA CHAYTOR
There’s something I love about the fleeting nature of a runway show; weeks of preparation, twelve hour days and so many hands at work, all for a few minutes in which everything seems to fall perfectly into place. The audience sees the clothes moving down the runway, but rarely the fittings, rehearsals or afternoons spent taping shoes. For those few minutes, you’re drawn into a world that disappears almost as soon as it begins.
This year, I had the opportunity to intern with stylist Karinda Mutabazi during Melbourne Fashion Week, assisting across the Media Preview and Closing Runway shows.
During this week, I was involved in almost every stage of the styling process; from model fittings and photographing looks to helping match models to outfits. I also wrote “spec sheets”, helped put together the visual run order board, attended dress rehearsal and assisted with tasks like steaming the garments, taping the shoes and triple checking each look to ensure everything was runway ready.
One of the things I learned was just how much of styling comes down to the smallest details. Watching Karinda work, I saw how layering a pair of socks or adding a single earring could really elevate a look.
The logistics of putting together a runway show were equally fascinating. Behind the looks were Excel spreadsheets and a lot of coordination. With so many intricate garments and corsets featured in the Closing Runway, the running order had to be carefully considered to allow models enough time for more complicated outfit changes.
Having recently started studying at National Fashion College, I loved having the opportunity to gain hands-on experience alongside my studies. It was great to learn from experienced industry professionals, ask questions and be involved in the process from beginning to end. It was an experience that made me even more excited about pursuing a career in fashion.
Seeing the Closing Runway come together was a fitting end to the week. After days spent behind the scenes, it was incredibly rewarding to watch the final show unfold and know I played a small part in bringing it to life. I’m so grateful to Karinda and her team for welcoming me, and to NFC for opening the door to opportunities like this.