It Takes A VILLAGE

Lights, music, bling. Runways run because scores of people walk-backstage. We get seven industry insiders, the best in the business, to tell us what really goes into getting the glam game on for fashion presentations

- SAMREEN TUNGEKAR

ANU AHUJA

Anu Ahuja, a former model and show director (not a choreographer, mind you), has been a part of the fashion world for 18 years.

Your most memorable moment from your early days as a show director? 

When I started show direction and just about stopped modelling, I was still quite attached to it. Sometimes while directing a show, I’d want to get on the ramp (laughs).

What has been your most challenging show so far?

A show that I did at the Louis Kahn building, IIM Ahmedabad, where the models were perched about 50 feet up in the air, and I could not even see them. To have to coordinate this show from a physical proximity was quite challenging. Then there are shows that are quiet and so sensitive that one wrong move could ruin the mood. Those are equally difficult to do.

One thing no one knows about what goes into the making of a fashion show?

Everything, because when people see fashion shows, they only see the final product. Nobody sees the long hours that are put in to get everything perfect. When the model walks, she’s perfectly poised. But no one knows what we’ve rectified without anybody realising. In a fashion show, there is no second chance.

A quote that resonates with you?

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in a doctor’s book.

 DELNAZ DARUWALA

Delnaz Daruwala is a backstage director and model coordinator and has been a part of all of fashion’s behind-the-scenes for 18 years.

Your top three shows?