From last minute alterations to steaming mishaps and the omnipresent clock ticking, backstage at a fashion show can often feel like a pressure-cooker of stress. While guests arrive, chat, and take their seats, makeup artists, hair stylists, dressers, and interns run around the back of house, ensuring everything is in line for a smoothly run, picture-perfect presentation of months of hard work. Though it’s overwhelming, and often anxiety-inducing, it is also easy to feel the magic of the adrenaline rush and the moments of community that make all the mayhem feel worth it.
And in Paige Powell’s photography, it’s crystal clear.
Somehow making mundane moments backstage feel like editorial shoots, the Los Angeles and New York-based photographer has a one-of-a-kind eye that transcends creative industries. Working across international fashion campaigns, music videos, album artwork, clothing design, digital marketing, and brand development, Powell has a special talent for telling stories and capturing the soul behind a project. From facilitating projects for Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, and Charli XCX at events such as Art Basel Miami and Coachella to working with brands such as NARS, Highsnobiety, RHODE, and PALOMA MARIA, she truly does it all. And we feel so lucky to share some of her New York Fashion Week SS24 work with you here.
The shows featured include Mirror Palais, Grace Ling, Kim Shui, Ulla Johnson, Rosie Assoulin, Wiederhoeft, and Luar, with portraits of Emily Ratajkowski and Julia Fox as well.
Take a look…
