projectrunway

Backstage with the Stars from Project Runway

Despite the drama of the reality TV show, the designers work collaboratively to put on one of the most popular shows of Saxony Group Fashion Week El Paseo

Susan Stein Fashion Week El Paseo

projectrunway

Since 2011, more than 40 of the Project Runway's 222 designers over 14 seasons of the reality TV show have shown their collections at Saxony Group Fashion Week El Paseo.

This year will be no exception.

Palm Springs' own Michael Costello and his Project Runway fellow designers will take to the runway April 5, continuing a tradition that has become one of the most popular nights during seven consecutive nights of fashion.

This year's Project Runway lineup includes 11 designers. Over the years, the number of designers has ranged from four to 12. Despite the potential clash of designers’ egos, colliding collections, and artistic temperaments, Project Runway night has been a smooth ride with plenty of backstage drama and fun.

Contrary to the combative nature of the TV reality show, these designers are extremely supportive of one another. They have learned from their Project Runway experience that a strong team creates better results. This is easier for them to achieve because they know they are not being judged, but rather adored by the Fashion Week El Paseo audience.

photo by adrianne bonafede

Designers work on their collections backstage.

Each designer has a sense of ownership regarding their collections that have been created specifically for Fashion Week’s Project Runway show. They start prepping backstage immediately after their morning Meet & Greet session (and also checking out the other designers’ creations).

photo by adrianne bonafede

Designers hope the models hired for Fashion Week will show off their collections.

Like any fashion show, excitement rises as models begin to enter the scene. Will those fashions fit the models, as planned, and will they be able to use the models that suit their aesthetic the best? In general, this show casts 40 models in order to show the clothes well.

photo by adrianne bonafede

Each model's appearance is meticulously scrutinized.

Fittings continue simultaneously while the models undergo hair and make-up styling. The backstage crew of 16 hair and make-up artists, five-member production team and 40 dressers work diligently to be sure the models and designers are ready to start on time. This year, celebrity hair and makup specialist Jose Eber, who has appeared on the Today Show and Good Morning America, will lead the hair and makeup team.

photo by adrianne bonafede

The models line up for their runway entrance.

As showtime draws near, there is a definite feeling that the show will be late and the audience will not be happy. The attitude of the audience greatly affects the mood of the show. The producer turns up the intensity gauge, and suddenly it’s time for pins to fly, hairspray to permeate the dressing tent, and some temperaments to explode from the pressure. No matter how much time and preparation is provided, this chaotic moment before the models line up is the most predictable.

photo by greg peterson

Michael Costello leads the Project Runway designers for their final curtain call.

Once the lights go down, the music starts and the first model enters the runway, the excitement of the audience is pervasive throughout the tent.

As each designer takes a bow on the runway, the applause become the only reward they need for the months of labor putting the collection together. And, the final bow with all of the designers is truly a grand moment for the team that has worked together for seven straight hours creating this most popular show of Fashion Week El Paseo.

Saxony Group Fashion Week El Paseo, April 2-9, The Gardens on El Paseo. For tickets: www.fashionweekelpaseo.com

Like what you're reading? Then "Like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter.

Since 2011, more than 40 of the Project Runway's 222 designers over 14 seasons of the reality TV show have shown their collections at Saxony Group Fashion Week El Paseo.

This year will be no exception.

Palm Springs' own Michael Costello and his Project Runway fellow designers will take to the runway April 5, continuing a tradition that has become one of the most popular nights during seven consecutive nights of fashion.

This year's Project Runway lineup includes 11 designers. Over the years, the number of designers has ranged from four to 12. Despite the potential clash of designers’ egos, colliding collections, and artistic temperaments, Project Runway night has been a smooth ride with plenty of backstage drama and fun.

Contrary to the combative nature of the TV reality show, these designers are extremely supportive of one another. They have learned from their Project Runway experience that a strong team creates better results. This is easier for them to achieve because they know they are not being judged, but rather adored by the Fashion Week El Paseo audience.

photo by adrianne bonafede

Designers work on their collections backstage.

Each designer has a sense of ownership regarding their collections that have been created specifically for Fashion Week’s Project Runway show. They start prepping backstage immediately after their morning Meet & Greet session (and also checking out the other designers’ creations).

photo by adrianne bonafede

Designers hope the models hired for Fashion Week will show off their collections.

Like any fashion show, excitement rises as models begin to enter the scene. Will those fashions fit the models, as planned, and will they be able to use the models that suit their aesthetic the best? In general, this show casts 40 models in order to show the clothes well.

photo by adrianne bonafede

Each model's appearance is meticulously scrutinized.

Fittings continue simultaneously while the models undergo hair and make-up styling. The backstage crew of 16 hair and make-up artists, five-member production team and 40 dressers work diligently to be sure the models and designers are ready to start on time. This year, celebrity hair and makup specialist Jose Eber, who has appeared on the Today Show and Good Morning America, will lead the hair and makeup team.

photo by adrianne bonafede

The models line up for their runway entrance.

As showtime draws near, there is a definite feeling that the show will be late and the audience will not be happy. The attitude of the audience greatly affects the mood of the show. The producer turns up the intensity gauge, and suddenly it’s time for pins to fly, hairspray to permeate the dressing tent, and some temperaments to explode from the pressure. No matter how much time and preparation is provided, this chaotic moment before the models line up is the most predictable.

photo by greg peterson

Michael Costello leads the Project Runway designers for their final curtain call.

Once the lights go down, the music starts and the first model enters the runway, the excitement of the audience is pervasive throughout the tent.

As each designer takes a bow on the runway, the applause become the only reward they need for the months of labor putting the collection together. And, the final bow with all of the designers is truly a grand moment for the team that has worked together for seven straight hours creating this most popular show of Fashion Week El Paseo.

Saxony Group Fashion Week El Paseo, April 2-9, The Gardens on El Paseo. For tickets: www.fashionweekelpaseo.com

Like what you're reading? Then "Like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter.