During fashion month, the industry’s biggest celebrities, journalists, and buyers get a front row seat to the most recent collections from top designers. Gorgeous models walk the runway within the chic garments while (seemingly) effortlessly giving face. But what brand fans and guests don’t see, is what goes into bringing the shows to life behind the scenes. This includes all the hair and makeup magic that leading artists create backstage.

As glamorous because it might sound, over time, this process hasn’t at all times been probably the most comfortable experience for Black models. Although the wonder and fashion industries are continuing to expand and include more diverse and well-rounded teams, there is still a long way to go. Many models have been subject to beauty teams that don’t have the correct tools or knowledge to shade match darker skin tones or effectively coif textured hair.

To get some insight into the industry’s backstage progress, below, 5 models — each recent and seasoned — discuss their reflections because the spring 2024 season of fashion month involves a detailed.

Malik Brand

What’s your favorite part about backstage beauty?

My favorite part would definitely be working with the hair and makeup team and attending to know them.

How would you prefer to see the backstage beauty experience improve?

I believe fashion must have more POC stylists and makeup artists. I feel like braids are effective but perhaps tap into more cultural braids as an alternative of cornrows 24/7. It becomes boring.

How do you are feeling backstage beauty culture has modified over time?

I feel like there’s more Black team representation backstage as of late versus after I first began. Seeing individuals who know tips on how to do your hair and makeup at all times makes the experience higher.

Danielle Mareka

What’s your favorite part about backstage beauty?

My favorite part of backstage beauty is watching the whole lot come together. Through the progression of fashion week, you simply see a glimpse of the gathering or what you would possibly wear. The whole lot really is revealed on show day, so it adds to this magical unveiling in that way.

How would you prefer to see the backstage beauty experience improve?

Braids have develop into more accepted on the runway, which is wonderful, but I need more brands and artists to know the full spectrum of Black hair. And in the event that they don’t know, take the time to review and educate themselves. There’s at all times a approach to achieve a variation of a certain style and the women need to play dress up just like everyone else!

How do you are feeling backstage beauty culture has modified over time?

Based on my experience in Recent York, I would love to see more play and storytelling in the wonder looks as well. Possibly there’s a lot pressure to sell, that the story finally ends up taking a backseat. Personally, I love a very good story and I think we’re all craving greater than only a trend.

Amya Powell

What’s your favorite part in regards to the backstage beauty experience?

My favorite part about backstage beauty is the possibility to see recent and artistic looks. The effort and time put behind the ideas are beautiful to see come to life

How would you prefer to see it improve?

I would love the industry to begin ensuring every Black person can walk right into a job and feel secure in knowing that there are people on set who know the ins and outs of Black hair. I also not want me, or another person to feel constricted to simply braids. Our hair can do amazing things and it deserves to be showcased more.

How do you are feeling it has modified over time?

I feel that there have definitely been steps in the fitting direction. People have develop into more aware and educated on these issues and so long as we keep having these hard conversations then we will proceed making progress.

Jaydon Inkabi

What’s your favorite part in regards to the backstage beauty experience?

Personally, I’ve at all times loved being pampered; and that’s where the importance of the backstage arts are elucidated. As cliche as it’d sound, connecting with makeup artists, hairstylist, and nail techs has got to be certainly one of my favorite things to do whilst in creative environments. The part they play in these projects are essential, and being in a unique position within the industry, I’m at all times desperate to gather their perspective on many things.

How would you prefer to see it improve?

I believe as a dreadhead, my backstage experience (especially on the subject of hair) has been moderately limited. But perhaps that alone may even speak levels; so far as I can remember all I’ve ever gotten is a few glimmer and glare, rarely do I ever get worked on thoroughly, since the individuals who do style me often times don’t know what to do with my hair.

I at all times looked over in awe, on the treatment lots of my counterparts received in comparison with what I often did. If the model board has emphasized diversity, with an unequivocal and protruding presence of Black talent, the wonder and truthfully, all backstage associates should represent something analogous.

How do you are feeling it has modified over time?

I’ve truly been on this industry for a couple of years at this point, and one thing I even have noticed within the short time frame spent here is the rise in diversity; moderately the increasing presence of the Black artist in backstage beauty.

It is also something that’s rise has to do with the ascension of Black owned fashion houses reminiscent of Telfar and Theophillio, now the demand appears to be shifting, and there’s a newfound demand for these Black orchestrators, in my view every sect of the industry, beauty being a microcosm of that.

Mecca Mozelle

What’s your favorite part about backstage beauty?

I like the speed, dedication and direct plan of how I might be showcased. It’s such an attractive flow to witness– one model after the opposite being put together

How would you prefer to see it improve?

I’d like to see more hairstylists who’re firm and cozy working with diverse, Black hair types. It’s a privilege to work on our hair types. It’s not fair to continually have Black models arrive in cornrows or an afro, that they’ll’t even shape appropriately at times. I believe it’s the simple or lazy way out. I believe it’s necessary for stylists to learn to braid shapes, add tracks, do quick sew-ins– something.

Also would like to see more lead artists back stage for shoots and runway. I like Raisa Flowers’ work– she demands quality on set. And we’d like more Black creatives to be in positions of power and thrust back on beauty standards.

How do you are feeling it has modified over time?

I believe individuals are more mindful, I’ll give the industry that. There’s definitely an enormous change on the subject of ensuring we’re okay and cozy. I also appreciate people checking in before just spraying products. I believe body language is paid attention to more generally. We’re already picked apart and within the room solely based off of what we seem like, so feeling cared for on a deeper level while in these environments is healing.