Being Backstage At MTN lagos Fashion Week, A Personal Experience

FASHION WEEK! So glamorous. So chic. But I’m here to tell you: no, not really.

A few days back,  I applied for the job of a dresser as an intern in a  fashion show, and as a part of the internship I was required to help out backstage at this fashion show. O-M-G, I thought. Models, make up, hair, clothes; this will be amazing. I pictured myself gallivanting around, chit chatting with designers, “Oh, you want ME to try on your 35,000naira dress — why of course! It just fits me perfectly. I can keep it!? Yea? You’re too kind.” Lol

If you are thinking about volunteering at Fashion Week so you can get the “in” it’s probably a good idea. But if you have similar expectations as I had, here is what you need to know from my personal experience:

- First, you should realize you will probably be required to wear all black. Not like cute all black, not like little black dress, and not like biker-chick-chic — more like black comfortable shoes and clothing you could climb a fence in, because there’s a possibility you will have to climb a fence if someone with a headset asks you to.

- Which leads me to my second point — people with headsets rule all. I have no explanation for this, but if you see a headset, obey any and all commands.

- You will probably do a lot of standing around and waiting. Then a lot flustered rushing. And then a lot of cleaning, packing, and organizing. Not to mention heavy lifting, running, ushering, and steaming. Trust me, you will eventually start sweating from all of the rigorous physical activity. GLAMOUROUS.


- No, you will not be in any photos on Complete fashion, Flair, Genevieve, and all other fashion mags. . See all of these models posing here? I’m actually behind them. You can’t see me. You’re not supposed to see me. Hence, therefore, vis-a-vis — you will not be in those mags.

- You may, however, may be asked to talk about underwear on camera but I wasn't told to do that. And u may be asked to hold up a pair of panties and explain their functionality. And Instead of flirting with famous designers you'd be  discussing how underwear works (and no, I’m not talking lingerie). Again, GLAMOUROUS.

- I hope you comfortable with nudity, as it’s most likely naked models will be present, waiting for you to stick pasties on their nipples. (Yes, I did that.)

- Omotola jolade ekeinde might be running late. And it will feel like the world is about to end.

- Omotola jolade  might not want to use the designated ‘celebrity’ door to exit after the show. And it will feel like the world is about to end.

- And finally, whatever Omotola wants, Omotola gets.

I actually got to watch the show.  I didn't have to work once it started And to be
able to say you worked fashion week is so cool. Internships, according to some guidelines, must be similar to "educational" training, so getting paid shouldn't be really expected.

Phew! I hope my little “experiences” don’t deter you too much — Fashion Week is an awesome experience and it’s fun to feel like you are helping put on the show. Just prepare yourself.
            (c)copyright by kennie savage.