Shawn Dezan
photo: Saad Al-Hakkak

Shawn Dezan

March 2, 2010

London Fashion Week was a week of pure madness attracting people from all over the world, some better known than others. Only the last day of shows was reserved for menswear, and spots were evidently tight. In a major market like London, only the latest big bright male modelling stars get to walk. Unfortunately that didn't include me, or a lot of my friends. It would have been all too easy to let this make me feel discouraged, but instead I took the gift of having time off to get involved.

I had the opportunity to work alongside casting director Michelle Lee of KCD Worldwide, as an intern, on the Topshop Unique and Antonio Berardi runway shows. Starting the day before the Topshop show, I was involved through the entire process. From helping manage the castings, and the fittings to being backstage during the shows lending a hand wherever I could.

It was very enlightening to finally see the other side of the casting table. In a market like London, it means a lot of long days. Sometimes seeing hundreds of girls while trying to remember the one that passed five girls before because she looks like the one who's next, but they're not as good as the one we saw two hours ago, but then again - it's only midday.

As a model it is important to take advantage of the overseas experience in any way possible. For me, that meant becoming involved behind the scenes to learn more about the industry. Hopefully, I'll somehow be able to use this knowledge while navigating through my own castings. Everyday is a lesson.

The Antonio Berardi show finished around noon on Monday. I had only slept about ten hours in the four days that had just passed. I needed to rest. I took the afternoon off, slept, and finally worked out after my busy weekend.

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Explaining the runway at Antonio Berardi

Luck was once again on my side when I got an all-access pass to the Burberry Prorsum show. The lighting and sound technicians managed to recreate a digital thunderstorm inside the tent until the show began. I mingled backstage for a bit, and then watched the show standing. It was surreal.

The celebrity packed backstage was too crowded, so I got out of there pretty quickly.

During any season in any market, it is important for models to eat well and keep hydrated. I was so exhausted come Wednesday that I didn't make it to any of the menswear shows. I didn't even make it to the Model Sanctuary that was set up with free food, massages, nutrition advice, and goodie bags for any model that walks through its doors. Its location is kept a secret, but if you're ever in town working during shows – just ask your booker.

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The model lineup for Topshop Unique

Despite not booking anything, I loved my first London Fashion Week experience. I've finally been able to sleep well, eat well, and hit the gym regularly since show week closed. This comes with perfect timing as campaign season has just begun.

Shawn Dezan is with d1 in London.