The world of fashion shows is often portrayed as a glamorous spectacle, but behind the carefully curated scenes lies a chaotic reality. Backstage is where dreams are made, where creativity meets pressure, and where the anticipation of the runway show reaches its peak. It’s a place where last-minute fixes are the norm, where models rush in from other shows, and where a single misplaced button can throw everything into disarray.
Vogue photographers, who have witnessed countless fashion weeks, offer a glimpse into this exhilarating and often frenetic world. They share their experiences, capturing not just the final product but the journey leading up to it, from the initial fittings to the moments before the models step onto the runway.
Kevin Tachman, Vogue’s backstage photographer in the 2010s, discovered fashion almost by accident, but his journey took him to some of the most iconic shows in history. From the hilarious collapse of benches at the Balenciaga spring 2012 show to the surprise return of Derek Zoolander and Hansel at the Valentino fall 2015 show, Tachman has seen it all. He remembers the thrill of being in the room when these fashion legends made their comeback and the immense pressure of capturing the perfect shot for Vogue.
Another Vogue photographer, Acielle Tanbetova, has captured some of the most significant moments in recent fashion history. She recounts the challenges and triumphs of shooting during the pandemic, the awe-inspiring experience of shooting Dior Men’s show in Egypt with the pyramids as a backdrop, and the surreal atmosphere of Balenciaga’s fall 2022 indoor snowstorm. Tanbetova has witnessed both the joy and the sorrow of the fashion world, capturing moments like Virgil Abloh’s final collection for Off-White and Pharrell’s debut at Louis Vuitton.
Hunter Abrams, a New York-based photographer, shares his experience of capturing Tomo Koizumi’s NYFW debut, a show that became legendary for its sheer spectacle and creativity. Abrams had the opportunity to document the entire process, from the fittings to the hair test, capturing the collaboration and artistry that brought this iconic fashion moment to life.
The backstage of fashion week is a microcosm of the industry itself—a whirlwind of creativity, chaos, and constant evolution. It’s a world where dreams are made, where trends are born, and where fashion stories unfold before our eyes. Through the lens of these photographers, we gain a deeper understanding of the magic and mayhem that happens behind the scenes, revealing the true heart of the fashion industry.
