Olga Stepanenko
Stylist and makeup artist
Wearing one of Kristian Aadnevik's designs and stunning necklace by Dolce & Gabbana
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Kristian Aadnevik
Designer
Hila Bitton
Designer & PR at KRISTIAN ADDNEVIK
Baby Silver <3
KRISTIAN AADNEVIK | Exclusive Backstage View of SS 2014 Collection
Written and photographed by Adrenus Craton
It is true what they say during Fashion Week, "It's all about the runway."
Well, this was a little bit true for me also… up until September 15th, the day of Kristian Aadnevik's show for his new Spring/Summer collection for 2014. Hours before the catwalk commenced at nine o'clock that evening, the atmosphere was like that of a beautifully sweet, softly buzzing bee hive. Everyone was taking part in this catwalk experience extraordinaire. The hairstylists, makeup artists, dressers, models, designers, assistants (and YES photographers) … everyone, creating their own masterpieces to rival the works of art drawn on all the walls, reaching the ceilings that housed an incredible backstage fiasco. I will admit that initially it was all very intimidating - I mean how could it not be.
I'm 5ft 4in, and anyone that knows me would probably say that I'm the same height even in heels. :) I imagine that I am fairly attractive, and somewhat of a people person. I do try for a nice smile… but surprisingly the most intimidating part was before I ever even entered the room. I was so flustered and doubtful during the car journey to the venue at The Royal Horseguards - tripped on the way in through the front entrance, out of breath from the climb up the magnificent red-carpeted "sweeping spiral staircase" (Gone With The Wind style), and shaky at the first hello (please point me in the right direction) with a stranger. However, all of this led me to the centre of the most incredible room I had ever been in since moving to London two years ago.
I felt like I had walked through 'The Wardrobe' and stepped into a Narnia land of pure creation.
The gentleman, (dressed in all black with the coolest round-rimmed hat) led me to Luisa, the PR manager. She was also in all black but wearing a pretty electric blue, Japanese style, flower-printed silk blazer. We had been exchanging emails with each other the day before. I am introduced to the designer, Kristian, and his very elegantly attractive partner (as well dressed in all black). Then, the last terrifying hurdle to jump - get out the camera (remove my old worn out hot-pink Sweaty Betty sock from the lens) and start to shoot. My hands were actually trembling with excitement and nervousness, not even sure where to start in such an incredible space.
As soon as my Nikon buddy is strapped on, everything changes. I realise that I'm also dressed in all black (with a small whispered and silver zip leather jacket). I start to notice pastel colours from across the room and catch the eyes of a few of the models. Right away, there was Alice. Instinctively knowing where I was at all times so that when the camera reached my face, she was already there, starring straight into it. Stunning. The textures of the dresses and belts, the sheerness of the clothes, the netting, the aroma of Moroccanoil products misting the air…. it started to take over the senses. I forgot I was walking about a room of gazelle like beauties floating in 6inch heels (and that I was nearly the size of a hobbit in comparison, tripping over my own wedges).
Click, click, click… pause… gasp. Ok, move around this expanding vastness of divine backstage artistry. Again… click, click, click. I was compelled to say thank you every time - and as you know, the Universe responds to gratitude.
So the response was steady, and I believe I took over a thousand photos in those several hours. Here's the shocker. When it came time for the runway, it was not easy for me to leave what had become such a warm fervour of passion and good vibes. Along with the models and staff, we were all peeking out from behind the doors and curtains (me on my tip toes) to see what was the crowd's response to the hours of hard work that was put into each garment, onto each eyelid, around each head of hair, every cheekbone, lip colour, leg scar, underwear stitch, pattered boot cut, button pop, fabric tear, stuck zipper, hand cramp, advice and direction from the designer….. all of it - we tried to get a glimpse to see what is someone's reaction as the girl walks down that runway.
And yes, that glimpse - it really is worth a thousand words (and more). <3