Models, Fittings & Hair/Makeup: How It Works

This article is intended for fashion designers and industry applicants; if you’re looking for tickets or general public information, please visit our main event pages here: https://thebureaufashionweek.com.

Overview

A seamless backstage experience is essential for a successful Fashion Week runway presentation. This guide outlines exactly how models, fittings, and hair/makeup teams operate across The Bureau Fashion Week™ events in New York, Paris, Los Angeles Fashion Week, Miami Swim Week, and Dallas, TX. Understanding this process helps ensure your collection is runway-ready and supported by a professional, high-performance backstage team.

If you're preparing to submit your designer application, you can begin here:
👉 https://thebureaufashionweek.com/fashion-designer-inquiry/

1. Model Selection & Casting Process

Each show features a curated group of professional runway models selected by our casting directors. Designers receive:

• Pre-selected agency-standard models
• Height and measurement specifications (city-specific)
• Clean, consistent runway walk styles
• Lineup assignments coordinated by production
• Support from model managers backstage

Model assignments are determined by your collection’s look count, silhouettes, and overall styling needs.

Are you a model wanting to participate?

Register for upcoming castings here:
👉 https://thebureaufashionweek.com/model-registration/

For a full breakdown of production inclusions, see:
What’s Included When You Show Your Collection (Full Breakdown)

Ready to begin your Fashion Week submission?
👉 https://thebureaufashionweek.com/fashion-designer-inquiry/

2. Fittings & Garment Preparation

Fittings ensure your looks are runway-ready and properly organized.

During fittings, the backstage team handles:

• Model-to-look assignments
• Minor adjustments (clips, pins, shaping)
• Steaming and garment preparation
• Accessory organization
• Numbered look sequencing and lineup creation

Your Designer Liaison will guide you through fitting expectations, deadlines, and backstage protocol for your selected city.

3. Hair & Makeup Teams (HMUA)

Our backstage includes a full team of lead hairstylists, makeup directors, and trained artists specializing in runway environments.

Designers can expect:

• Professional lead hair director + supporting stylists
• Lead makeup artist + beauty team
• Execution of your approved beauty direction
• Coordination with your designer liaison
• City-specific beauty briefs (especially NYFW, Los Angeles Fashion Week, and Paris)

Are you a hair or makeup artist wanting to join the team?

Apply here:
👉 https://thebureaufashionweek.com/hair-and-make-up-artist/

For technical production details like lighting and music, visit:
Runway Production: Music, Lighting, Staging & Creative Direction

4. Backstage Flow During the Runway Show

Our backstage operations team ensures a flawless experience for designers.

They manage:

• Look-by-look lineup
• Changing order + timing
• Model cueing
• Final adjustments
• Safe, smooth model flow
• Coordination with runway directors
• Communication with HMUA leadership

Your collection moves through a structured backstage choreography designed for efficiency and elegance.

To learn more about call times and backstage expectations, see:
Backstage Workflow: Rehearsals, Call Times & Designer Guidelines

5. Designer Responsibilities Before the Show

To support an organized backstage process, designers must prepare:

• Complete collection + accessories
• Garment tags or identifiers
• Styling notes for each look
• Final lineup order
• Any special requests for key looks or models

Your Designer Liaison will provide all deadlines, instructions, and support during the onboarding period.

6. Backstage Team Operations (Including Interns)

Backstage production is supported by trained interns who assist with:

• Look organization
• Accessory placement
• Steaming + preparation
• Model transitions
• Designer support
• Production coordination

Want to intern at Fashion Week?

Apply for our internship program here:
👉 https://thebureaufashionweek.com/fashion-week-interns/

7. City-by-City Backstage Differences

Backstage environments vary based on the creative identity of each Fashion Week location:

New York Fashion Week

Fast-paced, editorial-focused backstage with strong media presence.

Paris Fashion Week

Refined, couture-aligned beauty and slower, more deliberate pacing.

Los Angeles Fashion Week

Influencer-heavy, beauty-forward environment with celebrity stylists.

Miami Swim Week

Rapid backstage movement with multiple beauty adjustments for swim/resort looks.

Dallas, TX

Emerging-designer-friendly environment with strong backstage support teams.

For full city comparisons, visit:
City-by-City Guide: NYFW, Paris, Los Angeles Fashion Week, Miami Swim Week & Dallas, TX

Apply to Present Your Collection

If you are ready to take the next step and showcase your collection at one of our Fashion Week events, submit your designer application here:

👉 https://thebureaufashionweek.com/fashion-designer-inquiry/

Related Articles

• What’s Included When You Show Your Collection
• Runway Production: Music, Lighting, Staging & Creative Direction
• Backstage Workflow: Rehearsals, Call Times & Designer Guidelines
• Designer Requirements: Portfolio, Collection & Eligibility Criteria