Why Getting Involved in Fashion Week is Key to Launching Your Career

Two weeks ago, after a hiatus and much anticipation, New Zealand Fashion Week returned. And what a comeback it was. From the runway, where local designers reinforced just how talented our fashion industry is, to intimate showcases with industry leaders, the buzz was electric.

Behind the glamour of the runway lies an army of creative talent. For hairdressers and makeup artists, stepping backstage at Fashion Week is the dream. The energy, the pace and the artistry is unmatched. But how do you get there? And once you do, how do you make sure you’re invited back? We asked some of the industry’s most respected stylists for their advice.

If you’re keen to get involved next year, we asked some of the industry’s most respected stylists for their advice

By Erin Berryman, ProCollective Editor

Sara Allsop – AHIA (Creative) New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year 2025

How has being behind the scenes at Fashion Week shaped your career?

“Being backstage at Fashion Week has opened so many doors in my career. It’s enabled me to travel internationally every year and assist some of the leading hair stylists in the world, like Guido Palau and Luigi Murenu. Working on shows like Dior and Dolce & Gabbana has been nothing short of phenomenal. It’s an experience that pushes you creatively and connects you with the global fashion industry.”

How did you first get involved?

“I got started when New Zealand Fashion Week first launched in the early 2000s. I began working backstage on shows when L’Oréal was the official hair sponsor, and they offered those initial opportunities. From there, it’s all about building relationships with designers and creatives — one opportunity leads to another, and it naturally grows from there.”

How can being involved in fashion weeks, locally or internationally, help your career?

“Fashion Week teaches you to work fast and think editorial — it’s very different from creating salon hair. You learn how to collaborate under pressure and adapt to creative direction quickly. Also, clients love hearing the stories from Fashion Week — those experiences build trust and excitement, which ultimately helps grow your salon clientele.”

What advice would you give those looking to step backstage — from building their profile to what to avoid?

“My biggest advice is to say yes to every opportunity. You never know where it could lead. Also, seek out and assist lead artists or hair directors whose work you admire. You’ll learn so much from being in their team. Building strong relationships with one or two leads is invaluable — once they trust you, they’ll keep inviting you back and offer more exciting opportunities.”

Michael Beel – Editorial Stylist of the Year, Australian Hair Fashion Awards 2024

How has being behind the scenes at Fashion Week shaped your career?

“Being backstage at Fashion Week helped my love of editorial hair flourish. Working as a team along with the designer, producer, makeup artist and model to help bring the vision and creativity to life is exhilarating. Having three hours to get let’s say 30 models’ hair, makeup and dressed is intense and it’s like conducting an orchestra… all the parts need to work in harmony for it to work. If one falls over the domino effect isn’t great, so trusting your team and helping it along is paramount.”

How did you first get involved?

“I was first involved in Fashion Week many moons ago and asked by a product company to come and be part of the hair team. It was for WORLD who adore the artistry of hair and makeup. Being part of this glittery, colourful spectacle ignited my passion to do it more… The following year I was the hair director for WORLD.”

How can being involved help your career?

“It helps you see different points of view and makes you appreciate being part of a team. I flew all the way to NYFW for my very first time, at my own cost, to do a ponytail! But how they approached that ponytail I still do to this day. The beach texture I learnt backstage is the technique that I did on Rita Ora… those little nuggets of information have propelled me, and given me different opportunities to help not only my career but mentor others through theirs.”

What advice would you give those looking to step backstage?

“1. Do not be a diva… I’m more than happy to stand there and pass up a clip.
2. Social media… Tag in the hair director, makeup director, hair sponsor and designer. Not doing that makes it look like you are in charge and that’s not kosher! By all means take content but if it’s impacting your team, the hair or slowing you down, forget it. And definitely no sharing until the show has finished.
3. Make sure you have a well-stocked kit of clips, different size tongs, brushes and more… Also make sure it’s all labelled as backstage can be chaotic and things do go missing. Turning up with one brush, a GHD and a blow-dryer ain’t a kit. If you don’t know what’s needed please slide into my DMs and I can send you a list!
4. Practice the basics like a hot tong set, directional blow-dries, ponytails, braiding and finger waves… Being able to confidently do all these foundational skills will set you up to be a valuable member backstage.”

Chinney Yeap — 2x Winner, Australian Hair Fashion Awards Hairdresser of the Year

How has being behind the scenes at Fashion Week shaped your career?

“I have been working at Fashion Weeks since I was an apprentice. I think getting involved in other areas of our industry is so important for growth. I always feel like I not only learn new skills but also make great connections and friendships.”

How did you first get involved?

“I literally put my hand up all the time. I was a yes girl and a go-get-it girl — nothing’s changed haha. I would always ask, can I assist? I would be happy to just pass up a bobby pin or even hold a can of hairspray, whatever I could do to get in on the action! I actually still do this. I’m really passionate about profiling our industry and shining a spotlight on it and how fun and cool it can be if you are open.”

How did you first get involved?

How can being involved help your career?

“I think this has helped me to build my personal brand and profile for sure. I have been lucky enough to work on New Zealand, Australian and New York Fashion Week. This helps grow your editorial and styling skill level. By surrounding yourself with other talented stylists you learn, you’ve got to work your connections to get noticed. It really has helped create more opportunities and open more doors for me throughout my career which I am very grateful for. I am now a Moroccanoil Global Artist, and I believe that doing things like Fashion Weeks has contributed to getting me to where I am now.”

What advice would you give those looking to step backstage?

“Put your hand up, if this is what you truly want to do then get involved. New Zealand stylists are lucky that Industry NZ runs auditions for this and posts about it. Reach out to people who already do it and ask them who to get in touch with if you aren’t sure.

Things to avoid:
Be humble no matter how long you have or haven’t been hairdressing for. When you get backstage it’s not ‘I’ — it’s ‘we.’ You are part of a team and it’s a team effort to get those looks on sometimes 30 or more models looking hot and out on time. It’s high pressure so don’t be disheartened if you don’t get to touch hair — just muck in and learn.

Don’t just stand there. If you are going to assist then assist — make yourself useful, hold a clip, hold a brush, hold a product.

If there are too many people crowded around a model and there’s not much for you to do, step away.

Most of all, do not piss off the hair director or the designer haha. Stay on their good side or you might not be invited back.”

Andrew Cobeldick — AHIA (Creative) Hairdresser of the Year 2024

On the impact of Fashion Week:

“For me, being backstage at Fashion Week has been one of the most career-defining experiences. It’s not just about the hair — it’s about the energy, the teamwork, the way creativity comes alive in the middle of controlled chaos. Backstage teaches you how to think fast, adapt, and deliver under pressure. That confidence and resilience carries into every other part of your career, whether you’re behind the chair, teaching, or on set.”

On getting started:

“I first got involved thanks to Richard Kavanagh. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have the career I have today. He gave me my first opportunity backstage, and it completely changed the trajectory of my journey. From there, I said yes before I felt ready. I wasn’t leading a team — I was assisting, learning, sweeping floors, pinning hair, doing whatever was needed. But those moments taught me that showing up with the right attitude matters more than the role you’re given. People remember energy, humility and reliability. That’s what gets you invited back.”

On why it matters:

“Fashion Weeks, both here and overseas, can open doors in ways you don’t even expect. They connect you to artists, designers, makeup teams, photographers — people who may later call you for editorials, shows or collaborations. They push you into environments where you grow faster than you thought possible, because you’re surrounded by creativity at such a high level.”

Advice:

“My advice to aspiring stylists or educators wanting to step backstage? Build your craft first — because strong fundamentals give you confidence when the pressure is on. Put your work out there, even when you feel it’s not ‘perfect.’ Apply to assist, DM lead stylists, volunteer — you’ll be surprised how often people are open if you just ask. Once you’re there, give 100% no matter how small the task. The person who calmly pins a bobby pin at the right moment is just as important as the person leading the look.

What to avoid? Going in with ego, or expecting to be the star right away. Backstage is about service — to the designer, the team, and the vision. The stylists who shine long-term are the ones who can both follow and lead, who uplift the room instead of needing to own it.

If breaking into backstage is your dream, don’t wait until you feel ‘ready.’ You’ll never feel ready. Say yes now, trust yourself, and let the experience shape you. Backstage is where you’ll discover what you’re truly capable of.”