FASHION

The Way Way Backstage: 17 Years Behind the Scenes of Fashion Shows


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With all the chaos swirling behind the scenes at fashion shows, one constant presence remains unfazed: the veteran backstage photographer Matt Lever. In his new book “Behind the Runway,” out April 1st, the quiet, dry-witted Brit has edited the past 17 years of shooting backstage into 160 moments of clarity. Here, Matt shares a few of his favorites, with commentary. Not all the action is in the front row.

1

“At Fendi, Cara pulled a great face. I loved the Karl fluffy as well.”

Photo courtesy Matt Lever/Roads Publishing.

2

“I really like this shot from the Giles Deacon fall 2008 show. I love the way the light hits Giles. I also like how it looks like a really peaceful moment despite all the usual chaos and music blasting.”

Photo courtesy Matt Lever/Roads Publishing.

3

“This shot was from the rehearsal of Dries Van Noten’s fall 2011 show.”

Photo courtesy Matt Lever/Roads Publishing.

4
5

“This was such a sweet moment. It was at the Hussein Chalayan spring 2007 show. The model in the black robe had just come back off the runway. The dress that she was wearing had ‘disappeared’ up into her hat as part of the show, so she was left standing naked on the runway. I love all of their support for her. There is so much camaraderie among models backstage.”

Photo courtesy Matt Lever/Roads Publishing.

6

“This is from the Anthony Vaccarello spring 2014 show. It shows just how hectic it is right before the model goes out onto the runway. You can see Alex de Betak with the running list and his stopwatch. That’s how tightly choreographed it is—even down to the second.”

Photo courtesy Matt Lever/Roads Publishing

7

“I loved the atmosphere from the strip light at the Josh Goot spring 2009 show.”

Photo courtesy Matt Lever/Roads Publishing.

8

“It’s all about the lighting at the Sass and Bide Fall 2013 show. I loved the light on model Xiao’s face.” Photo courtesy Matt Lever/Roads Publishing.

9

“This is one of my favorite shots. It’s from the Hussein Chalayan fall 2007 show. The dress actually lit up. I love how the backlight ‘kisses’ the models back. Hussein always does amazing things with his clothes.”

Photo courtesy Matt Lever/Roads Publishing.

10

“How beautiful is McQueen?? I shot this during rehearsal at the fall 2011 show.”

Photo courtesy Matt Lever/Roads Publishing.