NYFW part 3: Hair and Makeup

September brought all the feelings of what I thought was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... or so I thought.

Shayla, a stranger in September who turned into a dear friend, had the chance to come back as a lead and invited me to join her team in Febuary 2024. And here we go again—I wanted it. I wanted it, but I also wanted it to evolve into something more. After chatting with Shayla, I was able to join her team as an assistant lead.

The week was amazing. I got to dip my toes into the next phase while still enjoying the process of working with models and meeting a new group. The team was completely different—new faces, new experiences. Shayla was an incredible lead, and I felt proud to work under her. It was exciting to have some input and a bit of say in the final looks. While also getting to watch and learn as Shayla leads the team to see how to handle challenges and wins throughout the week.

We had two assigned shows working for the wonderful Ericko Wear again and Jaer Caban. Both extremely talented designers. During these shows I even bumped into my very first model, Chloe, who remembered my name!

This season, I also had the opportunity to do both hair and makeup, as the makeup team was short-staffed, and I jumped at the chance (not thinking about maneuvering 3 suitcases through the city). Instead of working two shows, I ended up working seven in total—and wow, was I tired.

This week felt entirely different because it was winter, and I had no free time. I was working the 12-hour days I had wanted to back in September, and I left feeling fulfilled, though maybe a little exhausted. The best part about coming back was that everyone started to feel like family. Stylists from other teams became familiar, models became familiar, even the host team became familiar.

One of the perks of working more shows was getting more chances to talk to the models. For some, it was their first show; for others, they had worked with Libertine or modeled for clothing brands you see in everyday magazines. By the end of the week, I was saying goodbye, hugging many of the models I worked with, hoping to see them next season (if there’s a next season). I always compare these moments to spring break—bonding closely with people for a week, not knowing if you’ll see them again.

Makeup brought a new challenge for me, as my usual style is natural. Event and editorial makeup is very different from everyday looks, and it stretched my abilities and creativity in ways I hadn’t anticipated.