Harriet’s Park Avenue Fashion Show: Behind the Scenes

I am still in disbelief that little IFF was invited to cover one of the biggest fashion events in Orlando! I could barely contain my excitement as I walked up to the media check-in counter. I eagerly placed the media pass around my neck and quickly headed towards the entrance where two guards greeted me with big smiles and opened the double doors as if royalty had arrived. There was a flash of darkness and a blast of cold air that made my skin tingle. As my eyes (and body) became accustomed to the sudden change I began to see flashes of purple lights and haze. There I was, inside of the big white tent- sparkling in all its glory. I made it!
As I floated back down to earth from my cloud, a kind woman came up to me and said something about a media section. Her conversation was muddled between the loud beats of the music. Past her were dancers practicing their opening numbers and models walking up and down the stage with half or their hair or makeup done. I glanced back at the woman, nodded in approval of whatever she was talking about, and asked if I could go backstage. She smiled and pointed.

I walked towards the long black curtains and a guard opened them slightly to let me pass. I was instantly struck by bright lights and the loud buzz of people and music. I was officially backstage! It was so crowded I couldn’t get past the curtains for the first 5 minutes. A make-up artist waiting for her next model greeted me and asked me a couple of questions. Wasn’t I supposed to be the one interviewing her? A few minutes later I finally built up the courage and squeezed myself through the crowd. At first glance the scattered makeup and running models made the backstage seem in disarray. But the neatly posted lists and instructions all over the walls proved this was an orchestrated mess. It was only an hour until show time and while everyone appeared calm, I could still feel the air of excitement and adrenaline. And now I was finally a part of it.

Here's a short video with a preview of backstage!