Backstage: There is a flurry of activity. Models are being prepped for the runway. Hair is being done; make up is being applied; models are being

fitted into their first outfits. There are racks upon racks of beautiful fabrics, each hand stitched with painstaking talent into a uniquely designed piece of art to be shown to the greater world from the narrow stage outside. Beyond the curtain are rows and rows of chairs, laid out around the narrow strip of the runway. It’s dark beyond the bright lights used to illuminate the walkway, but if one looks close enough, they would be able to make out the faces of top fashion editors and celebrities with VIP lanyards around their necks and pamphlets folded in their hands. As the music starts up and the first model struts down the runway, months of preparation comes to a head. Fashion week is now underway.

The Art.

The Work Behind the Art.As seamless as the show appears to be, it comes

alongside months and months of planning and collaboration. As soon as the festivities and hustle and bustle of one fashion week ends, planning starts on the next season – what the shows will be featuring, what the designs will be, who will be the headlining models, and what guests will be invited back. It’s a whirlwind of calls to fabric and textile manufacturers begins in order to get the materials needed for the next pieces. Even during the show, texts are being sent to assistants and junior editors, pictures are being taken and exchanged, and reviews are being written. Behind the scenes, the models are being ordered to hair and make up, the designers are making quick fixes as the models are being fitted into the garments, and precise directions are being given. The communication and collaboration never ends, yet without it, a fashion show could not survive past the initial rough sketched design. Everyone is involved.

Importance of Collaboration in Fashion.

Think about a fashion show; there are two points of views, and neither side sees the other. The audience

only sees what goes on in front of them on the runway. They see the effortless walks, stoic faces, and lavish garments. They don’t see the collaboration that goes into finding the models; the designers searching out the perfect person to become their living mannequin. They don’t see the hundreds of phone calls and video conferencing to find that perfect button, zipper, or embellishment. They just show up and enjoy the show. Now, turn to the models, designers, and stylists. They see a different side of things. They must collaborate with the designers to understand how to transform their vision into living art. They must discuss with designers to craft the perfect hairstyles and make up designs to help bring the garments to life. They don’t see, however, the collaboration of the editors. Editors must work out the numerous spreads of their magazines that will be dedicated to runway or street fashion. They must work with their assistants to get the best hotels and flights so they do not miss the show. They must speak with security to get the credentials needed to go backstage to interview the designers and models, picking their brains to understand the inspiration of that season’s designs and attempting to understand what may be to come. Without collaboration from all parties, the show would fall into chaos.

Collaboration Everyday.

While the fashion industry uses collaboration in every step of the

process, from planning to execution, in reality, collaboration is everywhere, in every industry. It’s used to understand your

clients wants, needs, and satisfaction and make and execute plans. Consider collaboration used in every day life. People ask sales professionals to help them make a purchase. Critics review movies, allowing the public to make

a decision on whether or not they will spend their money on seeing it. We ask waiters at restaurants to tell us their

favorite dishes, what wine to consume, and what dessert tastes the best.

Collaboration takes place in our lives everyday, whether we are

cognitive of it or not. It’s the harmony of life, allowing

us the freedom to interact with the world around us.

Editor: Renee SnookGraphic Designer: Julian Pérez