The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2022 - Issue 31

bitebeauty Once everyone has reached a workable solution, it’s time for the make-up and hair to be prepared to execute that look in the most precise way, as quickly as possible. It took the students three to four hours to complete the make-up and hair look for twenty models, working fast and non-stop. I believe it takes having a love for this industry to achieve great results and follow through. From an artist’s point of view, catwalk shows need love and dedication in terms of the speed, preparation and the work involved. It is such an adrenaline rush, and I love it, no matter where or for what purpose. In the last few moments, just before the show starts, when everybody is ready to go, and the music begins, it’s the most exciting time. The models become centre stage, and the DJ, their master. There is no time for resting. The mod- els need to change clothing between the collections, and everybody has to make sure everything is running smooth- ly, checking on the make-up and hair, i.e. powdering the face, adding lipstick, fixing flyaway hair with hairspray, and ensuring the models still look good after each change. It is only at the end of the show that everybody can relax. Once all the clothing, make-up and hair kit is packed, the models are dressed in their regular apparel, the real party starts, and it is the best part of the day. The Look This year, the show’s mood was sophisticated, colourful and vibrant. The best way to translate this into make-up was using glitter and gel liner. The hairstyles were in sim- ple classic styles, where plaiting and twisting, such as the French plait, fishtail braid and rope plait, were chosen as they are adaptable to the majority of the hair types and very much on-trend. The make-up was executed using a fantas- tic brand, Revolution, and glitter from Collection Cosmetics, Phoera and Kryolan. The eyeshadow palettes had rich, vi- brant colours, between matte and shimmers, with excellent and long-lasting pigments that allow precision application without smudging. The blush and lip palettes were perfectly matched and suitable for all skin tones. Bright colours were perfect for the show and they worked well with the various gel glitters utilised. Among my favourite was the gel from Collection because it can be applied on top of any eyeshadow or on its own as a shimmery gel liner to execute an easy, fast and full-on, intense glitter finish. After hours of applying extreme make-up, hairspray and running around fetching models, the curtains opened just after 8 pm. The show was brilliantly organised and went perfectly. The ambience, music, and months of effort and collaboration paid off, creating a memorable evening and a great suc- cess for the charity. It is a relief when everything looks good, and everybody has enjoyed the show. It’s a pleasure to reminisce over such a great day. Thanks to Pauline Hudson, CQTM in Performing & Produc- tion Arts at West Thames College, fashion show organisers Sofia Patri and Tom Ribaroff, and all of the students who participated and helped to make this event a memorable and successful fashion show. www.west-thames.ac.uk A BACKSTAGE STORY Giovanna with South Thames College Make-Up Students