This year, Australia celebrated 20 years of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Australia (MBFWA). MBFWA is without a doubt my favourite fashion event of the year. This year some of my favourite Australian labels such as Ellery, Bec & Bridge, Toni Maticevski, Carla Zampatti, We Are Handsome, Manning Cartell, TenPiece, Steven Khalil, and many, many more, were showcased at this extraordinary event, that was first put together by entrepreneur, Simon Lock. I find Australian designers to be truly one of a kind, incorporating a sense of Australian culture into their pieces, which have become insanely popular on an international level with celebrities such as Rihanna wearing We Are Handsome and Whitney Port wearing Zimmermann. This year I was truly blown away by Toni Maticevski's show, as well as the TenPiece show that was located at one of my favourite places in Sydney, Bondi Icebergs.
Last year I volunteered at Mercedes Benz Fashion Weekend, and many girls have messaged me since then asking if I recommend working at Fashion Week, what to expect, if if it was worth it, and the questions continue. So, I've decided to interview one of my best friends, Hannah Elhayek, whom which worked behind the scenes at one of the most renowned fashion events in Australia - Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - to answer some highly requested questions.
Vivid Souls: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia was under a lot of scrutiny this year as the shows were believed to be quite repetitive to previous years, how did you personally find it?
Hannah Elhayek: From what I experienced backstage in the
theatre, I believe that the designers that showcased their current collection
had a lot of pressure from the media about their designs. Designing a new
collection isn’t easy as there are many aspects to take into consideration.
From the many designers I was assisting, such as By Johnny, Steven Khalil and
Bianca Spender, I saw a variety of collections and pieces that reflected a
specific theme that the designer has chosen. I personally don’t believe that
the show was repeated from previous years, but there were aspects such as
makeup that was repeated through many shows, such as natural makeup and nude
lips, but I believe the designer created those briefs because they are showing
of the clothing collection and don’t want the makeup to take away the attention
of the attire.
VS: What did your role of theatre model manager consist of? Was there a lot of pressure?
HE: Theatre model manager is basically another term for “babysitting models”. This role was a crucial part in the backstage process of MBFWA 2015. From contacting agencies, to dress rehearsals, to makeup and hair and tech rehearsals, to running the model to their next show, working with the stylist and producer to make sure the show is running on schedule and to the brief. Stepping back at the end, just before they walk onto that catwalk is the most amazing experience. The running around for 3-4 hours prior to that show is just so worth it. There is a lot of pressure to run on time, but by the 2nd day I knew that as hard as I tried, the fashion industry just never runs on time. The stereotype that this industry is “bitchy” it’s far from it, everyone is so understanding and willing to help you out whenever you need it.
VS: Out of all the shows that you got to see, which was your personal favourite and why?
HE: Out of all the shows I experienced I would
have to say Steven Khalil. He presented a show with a dramatic couture
collection and elegant models that really knew how to show of the gown they
were wearing. The collection just looked so romantic and beautiful.
VS: After working in the fashion industry for a week, has your outlook on the fashion world changed?
HE: The week of working in the fashion industry has really opened my eyes. I was exposed to many new things. My outlook has definitely changed and made me realise that this is where my passion lays. The fashion world definitely has a lot of pressure from consumers, media and celebrities. Bloggers, reporters, photographers all play a massive part within these fashion events and being exposed to the work they did has really shown me how hard each and everyone of those people work.
VS: Out of all the A-Listers who attended Fashion Week, who did you think was best dressed?
HE: It’s a tough call because the fashion at this event worn by celebrities blew me away. I would say Rachael finch at the Maticevski show. Her outfit consisted of Toni’s signature pieces such as an embellished bustier and a structured white skirt and the outfit was complimented by a white clutch and pale sandals.
HE: It’s a tough call because the fashion at this event worn by celebrities blew me away. I would say Rachael finch at the Maticevski show. Her outfit consisted of Toni’s signature pieces such as an embellished bustier and a structured white skirt and the outfit was complimented by a white clutch and pale sandals.
VS: Makeup brands such as Maybelline did the makeup for shows like Romance Was Born , what kind of beauty trends were popular for this season seen in their show?
HE: Romance was born has been named the most
amazing show that cased at MBFWA 2015. Their hair and makeup was something that
has never been done before which reflected their collection. Their theme definitely
reflected colour.
"The great thing about Romance Was Born
is we get to play with colour, here's no two makeup looks the same." - (Maybelline director)
VS: What advice would you give to someone who wants to volunteer at the show next year?
HE: I would definitely encourage people to volunteer, as it is such a great experience. You meet so many amazing people, future contacts, learn different skills that you may benefit from in the future. My advice would be to go with an open mind and don’t be scared to take up any opportunity they may ask you to take part in because it always leads to something better. If you have a passion for events, fashion, media, volunteering at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is a great experience to be able to take part in to give you a firsthand experience on what happens backstage at an event that is very well recognised.
//
To see more of Hannah, check out her Instagram here.
//
HE: I would definitely encourage people to volunteer, as it is such a great experience. You meet so many amazing people, future contacts, learn different skills that you may benefit from in the future. My advice would be to go with an open mind and don’t be scared to take up any opportunity they may ask you to take part in because it always leads to something better. If you have a passion for events, fashion, media, volunteering at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is a great experience to be able to take part in to give you a firsthand experience on what happens backstage at an event that is very well recognised.
//
To see more of Hannah, check out her Instagram here.
//
Hope you guys enjoyed this post, it took me a while to prepare it all but I am extremely proud of how it turned out. Massive thank-you to Hannah for letting me interview her and pester her about all the details! I hope to hear back from you all on what you thought of this.
Lots of Love,
Lots of Love,
Madyson
xxx
//
Contact Me:
E-mail: maddy.chippendale@gmail.com
Twitter: @maddychipendale
Your writing is so lovely Maddy, loved this post. x
ReplyDeleteshannonaurora.blogspot.com.au
I am a huge fan of Mercedes Benz and love its cars. It’s my pleasure to attend this event in Australia as different famous automobile brands are also participating. Last time, I attended these type of events in New York and made some money. Thinking to do same in downtown!
ReplyDelete