INBAR SPECTOR
Most people cringe at the thought of going backstage before a show.
The atmosphere tends to be incredibly stressful - space is precious and people are on edge. Every person adds to the madness and there are already so many people (make up, hair, stylists, PRs, models, designers, photographers, assistants) that any extras run the risk of tipping the whole operation into chaos. Oh, the fear of accidentally bumping into someone's arm as they apply mascara.
When I showed up at Freemason's Hall to shoot backstage at the Inbar Spector show the atmosphere was completely different. Everything seemed to be perfectly organized. No one was yelling or pushing and people knew exactly what they needed to do - the dramatics were entirely removed from the operation. Inbar even had time to plop down and get her hair done. Fingers crossed that next season there's time for me to have mine done too...
It wasn't until the models started getting dressed that I realized just how amazing the show was going to be. Sure, you can tell that an outfit is awesome just from seeing it on a rail but it doesn't really come to life until you see it on someone.
It was the Lara Jensen face jewelry that made me really excited. There was such a buzz and secrecy about it backstage that when I finally slipped out to take my seat I just about exploded onto the person next to me with giddy joy. 'It's going to be so good.' - was all I managed to say.
London will always be my favorite place to attend fashion week. Not because it's the fanciest or the most perfectly managed, but because it gives new designers the opportunity to showcase their work alongside the already established greats. I couldn't help but feel that I was witnessing something magical at this show... especially with being backstage beforehand. Inbar is clearly destined for great things and her autumn/winter 12 collection is just the start. I recently discovered that her previous collections are available to buy online. The metal tattoo dresses start at £350 and, while I realize this isn't pocket change, it isn't completely outside the realm of possibility either. They might not be the sort of pieces you'd wear everyday but they would look amazing for a special occasion or any occasion where you want to knock-the-socks off of everyone that sees you.
While I’m all for fashion that people can afford, there is something wonderfully alluring about investing in clothes that double as art.
Massive thank you to Susie at Trace for inviting me backstage and to the show.