LFW: Backstage – Michael Van Der Ham

The finished product of a catwalk show is the sleek, perfected strut of a model on the runway, completed with a knowing pose for the cameras; within seconds, she is gone. It is a calm experience.

Backstage at a show, on the other hand, is a hectic place; with models, dressers, make up artists, hairdressers, photographers, PR’s and stylists running in every direction- it’s a wonder there wasn’t a head on collision. This is anything but a calm experience.

I have always been of the opinion that back of house at a fashion show is more interesting, as you experience the hussle and bussle of the preparations for the finished product, almost ‘the making of’. Thus, I arrived backstage almost stupefied that I, yes I, was going to be backstage the entire show.

Camera in hand, I didn’t want to waste a minute of probably one of the best photo taking experiences of my life- it tends to be like that when everyone your photographing is 5,11, uniquely beautiful, and of course, dressed head to toe in Michael Van Der Ham.

Colourful, playful, yet sophisticated, the clothes this season cemented the Van Der Ham style –and niche- as luxurious, one of a kind designs. No one else can fit four outfits into one with such nonchalant elegance.

Being backstage at a show allows you more of an encounter with the ‘real’ side of fashion, the life behind the screen, quite literally. Models were playful and –shock- smiling; Michael Van Der Ham was making the finishing touches to his creations, legs were being moisturised for the perfect sheen, then wiped off because the were too shiny- you’re right in the middle of it, coming into contact with every aspect of the hard work and time that goes into creating the perfect show that will do justice to the perfect collection.