7 lessons I learnt at London Fashion Week
By Scratch Staff | 17 September 2018 | Feature, Tech Talk
#1
Aside from all black, wear something comfy and flexible. That goes for shoes, too. You will also spend most of your time kneeling or sitting on the floor, so avoid skirts. You will be boiling hot then freezing cold; layers, pockets and things which are machine washable encouraged.
“Expect things to happen last minute; during LFW everyone is rushing around.”
#2
Bring everything you could ever need other than colours. You can not assume anything will be be provided other than that, and even then sometimes you will play ‘pass the polish’. Also bring a copy of the entire address and a photo of the lead nail artist on the show if you don’t know them already. You will need this to find out who to go speak to when you arrive.
#3
As well as your kit, make sure you are well stocked. Bring food, water and a phone charger. While food and water is usually provided there is no guarantee there will be enough for you to get some too. I would chuck some deodorant in your bag too; you will be running around a lot.
#4
Your nail work comes first, but also don’t forget to take photos. I made the mistake of forgetting to take any close up photos of the actual nails at my first and second show. I was so busy doing nails I forgot to document any of it, which helps to build a portfolio of experience. You want the photos to look as professional as possible, some techs even bring high quality cameras, but if you take enough you will get a few great ones with your phone.
Models are quite friendly and won’t mind at all if you ask to take a picture of their nails. The best time to do this is during the ‘line up’, when they are just about to go on the catwalk and are getting their final checks. Trust me you won’t be the only one using this photo opportunity. When you post the photos on your social channels – which should never be until after the show – make sure you tag everyone mentioned on the call sheet with the correct handles.
“One of the great things about LFW is all the amazing people you will meet.”
#5
Make friends! One of the great things about LFW is all the amazing people you will meet. Faces behind Instagram accounts you have been following for years may be doing nails with you in a team. Make sure you add as many as you can so you can stay in contact and build your network. New friends will also come in handy if you didn’t manage to get any good pictures and want to use one of theirs or if you have ran out of or forgot to bring anything!
#6
Expect things to happen last minute. During LFW everyone is rushing around. This isn’t because they are disorganised, it’s because often you won’t know where you are going next until the very last minute. You might get asked to cover a show straight after the one you are at because someone dropped out, or your call time might get moved up an hour or moved back – keep your schedule free.
#7
If you are lucky enough to be on a show that comes with pay as well as products, you will need to contact the person who organised the show for you and send them an invoice to get paid. I would do this the day of the shows so you don’t lose track. Keep a spreadsheet you can tick them off when they are paid.
Follow Daniella and her antics via Instagram
