Paris Fashion Week 2011

So much has happened since our little trip to London…Up until this week, we mainly had classes and toured Trend Union and other markets.  I was able to go to Monet’s garden and Versailles in my free time as well; both were gorgeous, and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the touring.  The past few days have been so exciting here; PARIS FASHION WEEK has been an exhausting BLAST!  Last Wednesday, I attended the Gareth Pugh fashion show.  Black and white stripes dominated the collection.  The show was very dramatic and included cages and stiff structured pieces; outfits very fitting for Lady Gaga.  On Thursday, I worked the Manish Arora and the Rick Owens’ fashion show.  Before the Manish Arora show started, I helped with some last minute touch ups of a garment, and dressed my model for the dress rehearsal.  I dressed a total of four looks which made the show such an intense experience.  Getting the model ready for the first look was without a doubt the easiest part, because I dressed her minutes before the show even started.  Once the show started, models were running back into the dressing room and clothes were flying everywhere.  I only had about a minute to get the model into her next outfit each time; it was stressful but such a rush.  Mixing metallics and neons made this collection fresh and sophisticated.  Arora’s collection included bird inspired looks, shiny metallics, sequins, and spikes.  The garments were very feminine and bright.  After the Arora show, we had to catch a train to our next show, Rick Owens.  The show was sensational.  The collection embraced the color white, and he used very advent-garde silhouettes.  I dressed my model, Olga in a long flowy dress paired with a crème striped jacket.  After the show, I was exhausted and headed home.  I dressed the Amaya Arzuaga show on Friday.  This was by far my favorite show judging by the location and the garments.  The designer used pastel colors and feminine silhouettes.  Transparency and fan like pleats were very popular among the designs.  I spent my weekend working at the Rick Owens’ showroom.  On Saturday, I worked from 8:00 until 8:30 in the accessories room.  I was responsible for guarding the merchandise and organizing the presentation of the accessories as each client came in to view the collection.  It was a long day on my feet, but I enjoyed every minute.  On Sunday, I worked backstage with the models.  I helped with presenting the garments and assisted dressing models.  It was another 12 hour day but totally worth it.  Working in the showroom was an eye opening experience.  Even though I was working crazy long hours doing less than glamorous (to say the least) work, it was a dream come true—and that is how I know I will be happy working in this industry.  Tomorrow concludes my involvement in Paris Fashion week; I will be working the Arzu Karpol show.