Fashion week is a major event in the world of style and fashion every year. Although most eyes are on the models on the runway and the applause is directed towards the designers, some of the major behind the scene players are cosmetologists. With hair stylists, makeup artists, stylists, and more working hard, the backstage of New York’s Fashion Week, and similar events around the world, is filled with cosmetologists ensuring it works out to be a success.
Preparing Models for the Runway

Cosmetologists play a major role in the final look of the models on the runway
Although the focus of New York Fashion Week and similar events are on the models on the runway, a lot of work goes into that final look backstage. The designer may have a lot of say in the look, but it cannot be completed without the help of hairstylists and makeup artists, who often add their own input in the completed outfit. These cosmetologists are backstage ensuring the models appear flawless. Some cosmetologists may also work as dressers, which are the people who help to dress the models and ensure they are ready to take the runway.
Without the hard work of the hairstylists and makeup artists behind the scenes, the runways would look completely different, with the models simply wearing clothes and accessories. For fashion week, the hair and makeup artists are expected to do more than just create subtle looks. This event is famous for dramatic hair and makeup that complements the equally extraordinary clothing and accessories. The final touches provided by the hairstyle and makeup truly make a world of difference.
Working Closely with the Designers
A large number of the cosmetologists working behind the scenes during fashion week are simply told by the designer, assistant, or stylist what to do. Some have a larger say in the final look of the models, working in collaboration with the rest of the team. However, there are other cosmetologists that definitely make their mark on the runways’ creative fashion: stylists. Although not all fashion show stylists are cosmetologists, it is one area in which those with a cosmetology degree can find work. As a fashion show stylist, you work closely with the designer and other members of the team to create the final look, including adding the accessories, determining the hair style, and choosing a makeup look.
Beyond Just Fashion Week

Cosmetologists also help to prepare models for photo shoots
Although Fashion Week shines light on the fashion industry, many of the behind the scene jobs that cosmetologists hold during this week exists throughout the year, not just during this event. When designers create advertising spreads in magazines, they look to professional hairstylists and makeup artists, as well as stylists, to create the final look. Additionally, fashion magazines and media channels also rely heavily on cosmetologists to help dress models for photo shoots and videos.
The fashion industry would not be the same without the work provided by the hard working and often overlooked cosmetologists ensuring that the models and that which they are modeling look beautiful and enticing. Much of the work is done in collaboration with the designers and stylists to create a unified look with the right impact. Although they may be a part of the a larger team, their work in many ways carries the entire show.
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