Fashion through the Eyes of a Photographer

Milan Fashion Week has once again come to a close. As a fashion photographer, one of the most exciting things to do is photograph the top fashion shows in Milan, Paris, London, and New York; even if everyone in the fashion industry claims these shows to be total madness!

Having always watched and followed the international fashion shows on T.V. and the internet, I felt that this year was the year to do, instead of watch. I have always been fascinated by women’s fashion, and can remember photographing it as early as the 9th grade of high school.

Haute Couture has always drawn and captivated me to the point that, given the choice, it is all I would ever shoot. Milan Fashion Week 2008 was no disappointment in this regard, and provided enough fashion shows (103 to be exact) to satisfy even the most die-hard fashion junkie such as myself; but I still must do Paris!

All the top design houses were represented at Milan’s 2008/2009 Fall Fashion Week, like Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Gucci, Armani, and Fendi. Even with a press pass, I wish I could tell you that it's easy to get into every show; but, unfortunately, it's not. Everyone wants a piece of the runway action! With the traffic situation as it was in Milan, and the top designers limiting access to shows, you really have to selectively pick and chose which shows you are going to see. I decided to shoot only some of the top names, and mainly focus on the middle to lesser-known design houses. In my humble opinion, I feel the people who are striving to make a name for themselves are apt to put more creative energy into their work. So by the end of the week, I had shot 48 shows and captured over 10,000 images.

As a photographer, you get to witness the best of the best fighting their way into the shows. At the Giorgio Armani show, for example, most people (including press) tried to push, shove, moan, and bully their way in. Press are always trying to get the best photo position to shoot from, and others (even those without invitations and not on the guest list) feel compelled to see the show and assume they have earned the right to be there. I watched as the great, and not-so-great attempted to get into the Giorgio Armani show (held at his own facility). Believe it or not, there were even celebrities who couldn’t get into some of the shows throughout the week, which I found very intriguing and somewhat amusing. Of course, the paparazzi were still in full force attempting to photograph every celebrity who made an appearance.

• After spending a week immersed in the seductive world of fashion, I’ve realized that print media (myself included) always have the best seat in the house at the end of the runway.
• The models continue to be tall, thin, and gorgeous; and not in short supply.
• Backstage at every runway show is organized chaos, but a beauty to behold with all the dressers, make-up artists, and hairstylists on the go.
• One model will most likely always be late, and 10 people will descend upon her to get her ready in time for the show.
• Everyone’s a fashion critic and you'll even find yourself in debates with complete strangers about the fashion.
• The lines will be very long everywhere you go, especially at the shows for the top design houses.
• The ideas showcased on the runways will definitely vary, but all the clothing will be incredibly appealing nonetheless.
• The smaller and less likely to be known designers will showcase outfits that are just as appealing as the larger design houses.