Behind the Scenes at the Masters of Design Fashion Show

I really couldn't have asked for the evening to go better. I wasn't rushed or stressed out, and neither was anyone else. Three of my original models didn't show up, but the backstage manager knew all the models' names and positions in the show, and she found three new ones for me quickly. All I had to do was stand there while she told who to try on what and approve it. All of my models had suitable shoes, even though one had to wear her own and I gave one the pair that I had planned on wearing. I got there late, but I got there in time to instruct the hair stylists and makeup artists. Three of my models were also modeling for other students, but we were all easy-going and agreed on the makeup look. Lipstick got on a shirt, but that was after my collection had been shown. The lipstick stain was near the bottom of the sleeve, and I just rolled it up a bit before the model went out again for the finale, and it looked great. We even got a free pasta dinner and cookies!

From backstage I could hear the music playing (Brooke Fraser's "Shadowfeet" and "C.S. Lewis Song) and the audience clapping, but I couldn't see how my models were walking and posing or the expressions on the audience's faces. When I stepped out at the end, I didn't know what to do or where to look. It's so disconcerting to see so many people in a room that was empty when you arrived. I smiled and waved, but at no one in particular. I can only hope I stood still and looked in the right direction long enough for the photographer to get a shot of me with the models!

My professor told me to keep one model in my best look for "the end." I didn't know whether he meant the finale walk or the awards. When the finale was over, and the professors started announcing the awards, several students and their models ran up to the door in anticipation. Somehow I didn't realize that it was that time, and I joined them late and rather uncertainly, not really sure whether I was going to be one of the winners or not. Name after name was called, and we all cheered exuberantly for our classmates. Then it was "Student of the Year." It was so loud backstage, I couldn't hear everything that was said, but I thought that this was the final award. The winners' names were called. Not mine. The last two students, other than me, who were huddled near the door, dashed out. I was disappointed. I had thought I would win something, at least a 2nd or 3rd place scholarship. The other two students came back, and the professors were still talking. Yes, they were announcing the "Best Collection," and that one belonged to me. I stepped out with my model, and we did our victory walk partway down the aisle. I said/mouthed "Thank you!" several times, even though I didn't know who to thank. I smiled a lot. I hope at least that the judges and my professors knew that this was an honor I didn't take lightly. When the professors closed the ceremony and came backstage with us, I even hugged them- for the first and last time!