By: Kara Koepplin
Walking into the Westin in Edina for the “Look of Love” Fashion show I anticipated madness, chaos and people running around giving orders. To my pleasant surprise it was the exact opposite. When arriving to volunteer I felt nervous at first, I mean this was my very first fashion show that I actually had a role in. I’ve always been the one to attend shows, but had never had the opportunity to be “ behind the scenes”. I wanted to be sure to make my best impression. We were instructed to wait and talk with Allison and A.J of Ignite Models in the changing room. Upon walking in, my eye immediately was drawn towards the gorgeous racks of bridal gowns. They were absolutely stunning. I couldn’t help but wonder which ones my model would be wearing, I also couldn’t help but peak at the price tags…yikes! When we meet up with Allison and A.J they took us under their wing and gave me and the other volunteers a brief run through of what our role was. We were the “dressers” which meant that we help the models change in between each look. What I wasn’t aware of is how intense this role would be. Allison and A.J emphasized one important aspect of this particular role, which basically came down to “do it well and do it fast”. The other volunteers and I had been there since 8:30 a.m, after our quick run-through we sat around for quite some time. Coffee was definitely on the mind. I decided to really take in as to what goes on during this “behind the scenes” experience. As I had mentioned before, it was a lot more relaxed than I anticipated. Maybe I had this image of craziness because I watch too many Episodes of “The Hills” on MTV where there is always drama at fashion shows. I walked around, admired the Dresses and nonchalantly looked at the prices (yikes!). The merchandise we were working with was not only beautiful but the cost of 1 years rent. I was excited to see who I would be putting these extravagant dresses on. I was hoping she was nice and not the typical model that may think she’s a tad better than you. Slowly but surely the models started arriving with a Venti latte from Starbucks in their hand and most of them at least 8 inches taller than me. My confidence dissipated for a quick moment until I remembered that there is a first for everything. One model walked in and it was a familiar face. She was the Mother of the Bride model and just happened to be a family friend of mine since I was little. We exchanged hugsand she said she would love for me to be her dresser. I recommended the idea to Allison and A.J and they were fine with it. Whew, just knowing the model took a little pressure off for some reason.
It’s Showtime!
The fashion show is close to starting so we all head to the stage and go “behind the scene” to our changing area. Well the changing area was about the size of a large walk-in closet so we knew this would be quit the challenge. Just imagine about 30 big billowing dresses, about ten assistants and models and the look of fear on all of our face. It was a priceless moment that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. We all knew it had to be done. The countdown has begun; the fashion show is about to start in less than five minutes. The anticipation begins, you can see it the faces of the models and the dressers. I take of my jacket, I didn’t want it getting in my way and at that point I think I may have sweat through it already (not attractive). I also take off my shoes, just to be sure there isn’t any tripping or ripping going on, I would have been mortified if I had even pulled a thread or broke a bead. My main focus was strictly on changing my model and having all of her clothes and accessories available the moment she got off the runway. Looking around, I was reassured that the other dressers and models were feeling just as anxious as I was. The MC comes on stage that just so happens to be Mary O’Regan, the style editor at Tiger Oak Publications. She notified the audience that the fashion show was about to start. The models all have their first look on and are lined up in their assigned order. My model was first, I felt proud when she stepped onto the stage, not only because I knew her but also because I was a part of why she looked stunning. I know I only dressed her, but I never realized how much the models rely on their dressers. If you don’t get them dressed correctly or if something looks wrong or out of place, it’s your fault. So needleless to say, it was a good feeling when your model steps out and looks flawless. As the second look approaches I only had a few models in-between which technically means a few minutes, like two to be exact. I quickly got her changed as others are doing the same. Dresses come off in split seconds, jewelry is flying off and shoes are swapped and exchanged and off they go. Another successful change had gone by and that means a happy model and a happy Kara. I felt my confidence boost a little at that very moment. There was only one more look to go and my anxiety withered away and relief took over.
It’s a wrap!
The show is about to wrap up, it was only about twenty minutes long but seemed about five minutes because of all the chaos going on backstage. My model Barb was all finished and congratulated me on my first real fashion show experience. My first thought was “That was it!” I was happy how it all went and was excited that I got to be a part of it. I couldn’t believe how quickly it all flew by and I was pleased that it all went smoothly and no one got hurt, failed to dress a model, or cracked under pressure. As all the models walked back to the dressing room to change, I think all of the volunteers looked at each other and let out a huge sigh of relief. It feels like such a great accomplishment when a fashion show goes well. We all talked about our individual crazy moments and laughed for a while, then it was time to go home. My first fashion event was a success, I walked away with a great experience and I definitely plan on doing more volunteer work in the future!
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