WorkPhotography

Photographer Charlie Kwai captures an alternative behind the scenes at London Fashion Week

Photographer Charlie Kwai has captured our attention with his candid take on the world around us.

Written By:
All images courtesy of Charlie Kwai

All images courtesy of Charlie Kwai

He's given us an alternative peek at the BAFTAs. Shown us a more eccentric side to London (not that we didn't appreciate London is quirky).

Now he's giving us the raw and unpolished perspective of behind the scenes at London Fashion Week. Not the 'backstage' glamour we've come to expect, you understand. But the reality. The frenzied atmosphere. Models captured taking a nap when they can. The endless waiting between shows. Walking around barefoot while toenails dry. It's a fascinating insight into the world we associate with perfect haute couture and polished beauty.

Commissioned by the British Fashion Council, Charlie was invited backstage during the event in September and was given free rein with his camera. "There wasn't any strict brief so I was free to photograph however I wanted," explains Charlie. "The freedom was amazing but working out what to shoot and how to shoot it took a while to figure out.

"I photographed about 20 shows and they all ended up blurring into one crazy week of 16 hour days and non-stop shooting. There would have been a lot more recognisable faces if I knew who anyone was too."

Models' legs and feet in various heels and shoes standing backstage at London Fashion Week, with one wearing a bright pink top
Models sit at a backstage mirror with water bottles and makeup materials during London Fashion Week
A model lies across a purple chair resting backstage at London Fashion Week whilst people stand around nearby.
Multiple pairs of bare legs of models standing on black and white striped flooring backstage, with blue shoe covers visible on the floor
Model in a cream and brown checked dress standing between photographers at London Fashion Week backstage
Candid backstage scene at London Fashion Week showing models and crew members surrounded by photographers and press in a crowded, informal setting
Two people sit at a table during London Fashion Week, one signing autographs while holding a pen, with water bottles nearby
Person working on a laptop whilst sitting in a fashion show changing area, framed by purple curtains with clothes hanging nearby
Model wearing shimmering green and gold garment backstage at London Fashion Week, photographed from below against ceiling lights
Models wearing yellow shoes and casual clothing stand on a black floor marked with white directional arrows during London Fashion Week backstage area
Multiple hands apply makeup and style a model's hair backstage at London Fashion Week, captured by photographer Charlie Kwai
A makeup artist applies lipstick to a model's lips backstage at London Fashion Week, surrounded by other people
Model in black lace top wearing oversized yellow and red patterned paper earrings, photographed in profile at London Fashion Week backstage
A model's face and shoulders surrounded by radiating fibres of lime green and silver material, creating a starburst effect during a London Fashion Week show
Person with long brown hair wearing an ornate crystal crown with dangling drops, holding a black makeup brush and looking downward
Person with blonde hair in a bun viewed from behind, standing in front of two models wearing pink and green checked jackets with pink trim
Share

Further Reading

Take the Creative Boom survey

Take the Creative Boom Survey