Backstage VAMFF 2014

Wow! It has been a while since I last blog and I have so much to tell (I was quite busy and there were some 'no access to my laptop' moments). Anyway, let's get things going from now on.

I know VAMFF 2014 was a while ago but I'm still going to talk about my experience here. I have the great opportunity to work at the backstage for VAMFF (Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival) for couple days. Well, this is a volunteer work (yeap, that means no pay) but the experience is what matters to me and they were pretty awesome!

So, my first shift was at the collection venue (where all the clothes and shoes and accessories for the runway stay) a week before the fashion festival at docklands. My job was to check on the clothes, making sure each pieces and looks are there and in order. On top of that, I spent most of my time taping the shoes (to protect the shoes from damage during the fashion shows, they need to remain new) and they are not as easy as it sounds. However, once I get the hang of it, I went through pairs of shoes pretty quick (on the bright side, I get to hold and admire some awesome expensive shoes).

Then the backstage shift as a dresser began. First, it was the opening show for the VAMFF that was presented by David Jones and supported by Vogue Australia. It was my first time at the backstage and man that place was quite small for the amount of people and stuff in there! There were lots of clothes and shoes, steaming machines, boxes, lots of people running around, just eye opening. I started my shift at 10am and same goes to the ones who were involved including the models at central pier (some started their job earlier) where the fashion show was. Every dresser were assigned with a model and lucky me, I had a very nice model to work with.

Highlight of first day, I met Megan Gale and her famous baby bump, Jessica Gomes (she was also doing a shoot with Margaret Zhang during our break from the rehearsals), Montana Cox and the Elsa Morgan (make up director for L'Oreal Paris Australia). Did I mention some of the models in the room were in the Australia Next Top Model?! It's just a bit surreal to me because I have been watching the older seasons of ANTM when I was staying in Singapore (2013) and there I was, in the same room, dressing them for the fashion shows. 

Day 2, the runway were presented by Miss Vogue and InStyle (yes, 2 shows!). I was not suppose to work that day but I volunteered to fill in for the last minute shift (someone cancelled their shift due to personal reasons). I thought I would be alright (I felt alright when I woke up) after a 13 hour shift on day 1 but I was wrong, I started to feel a bit 'zombie like' after lunch. Anyhow, I survived and finished up show 1 which was presented by Miss Vogue (Designer: Bassike, Christopher Esber, Josh Goot, Maticevski, Scanlan Theodore, Strateas.Carlucci and Willow). Again, I had a fun and easy model to work with.

Day 3 was my last shift for VAMFF 2014 and it was the day for the grand showcase featuring Camilla and the runway show presented by Frankie Magazine (Designer: Alpha60, Bul, Dorota, Gorman, Jolet, Kuwaii, Leonard St and Livia Arena).

The Camilla show is one of my favourite, it was very intense at the back stage because there were so much detail and accessories to go with (not a bad thing, it was so grand that we didn't want to mess things up, not even a tiny one!). The rehearsal went well and everything went smoothly. However, just before the start of the show, the media, the hairstylists, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the makeup artists all swamp into the same spot (it was really crowded), things got harder because of the space issue. On the other hand, Camilla herself came to the backstage and she was just standing next to me (well my clothes rack really but a close distance!). Not to exaggerate, but when the show start, I've been having goosebumps from the start till the end! Additionally, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was playing live for the show and the music was really intense which adds more pressure to the backstage. Adrenaline was pumping, we were all having fun in the mean time and very happy that the show was a great success. Sadly, we were not allow to take any picture at the backstage so I repost some of the pictures I found on Instagram. I was hoping Eva Longoria to come visit the backstage but no luck that night.

Carry on, show 2 of the day presented by Frankie Magazine. The runway was decorated with pots of plants which I think was a nice touch. I had more changes of outfit with my model for this show but her personality made it so easy and fun. Time flies when you're having fun. The show finishes quicker for some reason (probably I was having fun and it was my last).

Love the long lashes bambi! To sum it all up, there's a lot of people in a small place, some yelling under the pressure but no biggie, lots of hairspray, lots of media with their huge cameras and so on. Met some nice people and made friends, I had so much fun, it's one great experience to have! I wish I could continue working for the rest of the fashion festivals but I had a plane to catch on the next day after my last shift.

Would I do it again? Hell Yes!

Love, Carol