As the Creative Director at Luxurious Secret Affair, I've had the privilege of working behind the scenes at countless fashion shows, but Dubai Fashion Week remains the most exhilarating and challenging event in our calendar. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain to share what really happens before those models hit the runway.

The Countdown Begins: Three Months Before

Preparation for Dubai Fashion Week begins months in advance. Our team receives show schedules, designer requirements, and client briefs. This is when we start the meticulous process of selecting which models will walk for which designers.

Every designer has specific requirements—height, measurements, walk style, and most importantly, the ability to embody their brand's aesthetic. We conduct preliminary fittings and create detailed portfolios for each designer, ensuring perfect matches between models and collections.

Model Preparation: The Training Phase

Two months before the event, our models enter intensive preparation mode. This isn't just about physical appearance—it's comprehensive training covering every aspect of runway performance.

We conduct daily runway practice sessions where models perfect their walk, turns, and stage presence. Each designer's show requires a different energy and style. A haute couture show demands elegant, measured movements, while streetwear collections might call for confident, energetic striding.

Physical conditioning intensifies during this period. Models work with personal trainers and nutritionists to ensure they're in peak condition while maintaining healthy practices. Mental preparation is equally important—we work with coaches to build confidence and manage the pressure that comes with such high-profile events.

One Week Before: The Chaos Begins

The final week before Fashion Week is controlled chaos. Designers arrive with their collections, fittings happen around the clock, and last-minute adjustments are constant.

Each model attends multiple fittings for different shows. A single model might be walking in five or six different shows, requiring perfect coordination to ensure they're not scheduled for overlapping time slots. Our operations team works tirelessly creating detailed schedules accounting for every minute.

Hair and makeup trials take place, with designers and stylists collaborating to create looks that complement the collections. These sessions can last hours as every detail is perfected and documented for the actual show day.

48 Hours Before: Final Rehearsals

The venue transforms into a hive of activity. Runway rehearsals begin with models practicing in the actual shoes they'll wear during shows—a crucial step since runway shoes can be notoriously challenging.

Lighting technicians, sound engineers, and runway directors conduct technical rehearsals. Models learn their exact marks, where to pause, how long to hold poses, and timing for music cues. Every second is choreographed and rehearsed until it becomes second nature.

Backstage areas are organized into stations—hair, makeup, quick-change zones, and holding areas. The logistics rival a military operation, with every person knowing exactly where they need to be and when.

Show Day: The Magic Hour

Models arrive three to four hours before their show time. The atmosphere backstage is electric—a mix of nervous energy, excitement, and intense focus.

Hair and makeup teams work simultaneously on multiple models. In the span of an hour, a model might transform through three different looks if they're walking in consecutive shows. Quick-change artists stand ready, capable of completely changing an outfit in under 60 seconds.

The hours before the show are a carefully orchestrated dance. Stylists lay out garments in the exact order they'll be worn. Accessories are checked and rechecked. Models review their runway sequences one final time.

Backstage During the Show

Once the show begins, backstage becomes a high-stakes environment where split-second timing matters. Dressers help models into their looks, ensuring every zipper, button, and accessory is perfect. There's no margin for error.

Models line up in precise order, monitored by runway coordinators who cue them with military precision. As one model returns from the runway, another is being dressed for their next appearance. The choreography is breathtaking.

Despite the pressure, there's also camaraderie. Models support each other, stylists offer last-second encouragement, and when a model nails their walk, there are quiet celebrations backstage.

The Moments You Don't See

What audiences don't see are the countless small dramas that unfold backstage. A heel breaks minutes before showtime, and cobblers work miracles with glue and prayer. A zipper refuses to close, and expert seamstresses make instant alterations. A model feels overwhelmed, and our team rallies to provide support and confidence.

These behind-the-scenes challenges are where true professionalism shines. The ability to stay calm under pressure, solve problems creatively, and support your team defines success in this industry.

After the Show: The Real Work Begins

When the finale walk concludes and audiences applaud, the backstage rush intensifies. Models have minutes to completely transform for their next show. Makeup is removed and reapplied, hair is restyled, and the entire process begins again.

Between shows, models snack on healthy foods prepared by our catering team, hydrate constantly, and find moments to rest their feet. Fashion Week can mean 12-hour days of constant movement and transformation.

The Human Element

What makes Dubai Fashion Week truly special is the human connections formed under pressure. Models, designers, stylists, and crew members become a temporary family, united in creating something extraordinary.

I've watched young models grow into confident professionals during Fashion Week. I've seen designers realize their dreams as their collections walk the runway. I've witnessed the magic that happens when talented people collaborate toward a shared vision.

Lessons from the Runway

Working behind the scenes at Fashion Week has taught me invaluable lessons applicable to any career. Preparation matters—success comes from months of detailed planning and practice. Teamwork is essential—no one succeeds alone in this industry. Grace under pressure defines professionals—how you handle challenges matters more than avoiding them.

Most importantly, I've learned that the most memorable moments happen away from the spotlight. It's in the backstage preparations, the team collaborations, and the problem-solving under pressure where real magic occurs.

Looking Forward

Each Dubai Fashion Week brings new challenges and opportunities. The industry evolves constantly, embracing new technologies, diverse representations, and innovative approaches to fashion presentation.

As we prepare for future events, we're excited about what's ahead. The behind-the-scenes work may be invisible to audiences, but it's where dreams are built, careers are launched, and fashion history is made.

For anyone dreaming of working in fashion, remember that success happens backstage long before it appears on the runway. The preparation, dedication, and teamwork that occur behind the scenes are what transform fashion shows from ideas into unforgettable experiences.