What does a dresser do backstage at a catwalk show?
So what does a dresser do and what are they responsible for at a catwalk show? The role of the dresser is a great entry point to fashion: you have access to backstage anywhere from a full day to a few hours before the show in order to assist in the final stage of preparation and the presentation of the collection behind the scenes. First and foremost everything that happens backstage at a catwalk show happens fast so pay attention to everything! It’s all about the details.
A dresser is a backstage crew member who is responsible for helping models get dressed and ready for the runway during a fashion show. Their job is to ensure that the models are dressed and accessorized 100 % correctly and that their clothing and accessories are in good condition and ready for the catwalk.
What makes a good dresser? Be a team player, be enthusiastic, Listen and do the job.
Some shows have a Wardrobe Mistress and they will explain everything that you need to know and will be your point of contact. It might be the designer, backstage manager, stylist, or 1st assistant who will give you directions.
Some shows are highly organized and some runway shows are chaos, so be prepared. A good backstages is highly organized so everything is set up on your rail is just waiting for you. Other shows are more chaotic and nothing is ready and still in garment bags. Either way, the dresser is there to help - so help.
Your call time is anywhere from 10 -2 hours before the show and you are usually asked to wear black - if in doubt wear black. You might be in charge of dressing one or two models for the show. Once you’ve been allocated your model and looks: there is usually a mini poster with the number of the looks, photos of the looks on a model and the description or list of the items that you would find hanging on the rail.
The dresser needs to confirm that the looks’ numbers are in order for the show and that each look has all its pieces. You will want to know exactly what garments including shoes and accessories complete each look. Prepping the looks - you might be steaming or ironing the garments. (Dressers often bring a mini styling kit just incase.) If you have any questions about how to do this - always ask. The dress often has to steam the garments and not every fabric can be ironed or steamed so it’s best to ask if you’re not sure or haven’t already been told. The “look notes” should tell you if the shirt is tucked in or if the necktie is done in a bow etc so follow those directions. It’s not up to you how the garment is styled, you need to follow the directions that you’re given. Just make a mental note of what you would have done and take that into your own stying work.
You’ll need to unzip, unbutton, unlace or unbuckle every item. This prep allows you to enable that your model changes are quick, organized, and efficient. Changes backstage happen at lightning speed and the model could have two to four looks to wear for the catwalk show, so the dresser will have to change her multiple times (at commercial fashion shows a model can have 6-10 looks). Prep is everything!
Top Tips!
This is not the time for selfies with your model and turn your phone on silent.
Don’t chew gum - it’s just unprofessional.
Beware of any food or drinks backstage. I only let my team have water. Remember the collection is the designer’s life - you don’t want to spill coffee on an outfit.
Becare of having long nails or jewelry if you’re dealing with any fine fabrics you don’t want them to snag the garment.
The more focused you are, the calmer you are the calmer the model is.
The designer and stylist have spent many hours on the running orders and the outfits. You will be given an image or told how the outfit needs to be styled. It isn’t your decision to change some. If something isn’t working ask someone.
Think of yourself as the mirror for the model. You are assisting the models with dressing, adjusting their clothing and accessories as needed, and making any last-minute touch-ups or sometimes even repairs! This includes helping the model put on socks or tights and doing up the shoes or laces.
If a button falls off or a zipper is stuck you need to let the stylist or 1st assistant know ASAP. This is why you check everything on your rail or section before the show.
Usually, the stylist or the designers speak with each dresser going over the looks. This is why it’s important to go over the Check List before they arrive in case you have any questions about the looks. If you’re not sure ask!
The models usually start getting into their first looks 15-30 minutes before show time. Hair and makeup will also want to check the models when the models they are in the lineup - so you still want to get them into their first look quickly and calmly. Everyone’s excited at this point and the energy is electric! See the models in the line up waiting for the show to start is one of my most favourite moments.
Once your model is in their first look get ready for the second look. Once the show starts it’s all happening and your prep will guide you through. With the second look (3rd or 4th look etc), sometimes the dresser has to finish putting the look on the model while she’s in the lineup, buckling up the shoes, putting on jewelry etc. It’s better to do it in the lineup because the person who is calling the show can see that the model is in place.
After the show dressers also may be responsible for organizing and keeping track of the clothing and accessories they have used and putting them back in order, neatly on the rails or into garment bags etc. *Be helpful and focusing on the tasks at hand - gets you noticed.
QUICK CHECK LIST
You’ve been given your rail or section of looks. If there is a picture of the looks - study it thoroughly and take an inventory of your items.
Learn your model’s name.
Check what looks you are responsible for and how many looks your model has and in what running order they need to appear.
Make sure the looks including garments, shoes, and accessories are prepped.
Unbutton, unbuckle or unzip the items so that they are ready for the model.
Organize each look and item so it’s in the easiest order for the model to change into. For example if you have socks with trousers put the socks on first, then the trousers so that the model doesn’t have to bend and you don’t get creases in the trousers.
You might be given a scarf or clothes - it’s to use over the model’s face so you don’t get makeup on the clothes.
After the show carefully hang up the looks. Often the show is finished, buyers and fashion journalists come backstage area to see the fashion close-up. Everything has to look good for them!
It’s not easy to remember everything and to be organized so the dresser has to be really focused and proactive.
My Backstage team after the Malan Breton Show