Behind The Scenes: A Dream Awakened at NYFW

Ella Henry-Schaeffer
Feb 25
4 min read

Backstage prep of the team getting models styled and runway-ready.

The scene of New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is usually associated with paparazzi flashes and celebrities roaming the streets. But this February, the atmosphere inside the historic Prince George Ballroom shifted into something far more artistic. Working directly with a designer’s team created a deeply personal and inspiring environment where you can feel the passionate energy radiating from everyone involved.

I was given the opportunity to step behind the curtain through our very own Fashion and Business club here at Temple, joining members to volunteer with Le Renaissance Paris, the luxury production company producing the show for Parisian designer Maison Valerian Hughes. While the audience saw only the final, perfected walks, we saw the hours of collective hard work required to turn Hughes’ vision into reality. This immersive haute couture experience, titled "RÊVE ÉVEILLÉ" (A Dream Awakened), blurred the lines between a traditional runway and a fine art exhibition.

The Designer and the Aesthetic

At the core of this show was Maison Valerian Hughes, a French-Caribbean Haute Couture designer based in Paris. Hughes is known for his narrative-driven approach to fashion, making sure every piece embodies a story. His aesthetic is a complex, personal, and unique combination of French couture and the soulful parts of his Caribbean heritage.

For "RÊVE ÉVEILLÉ," Hughes presented 20 hand-crafted silhouettes exploring “ethereal volumes.” These pieces are works of art, designed to create conversation and provide a “wow factor” similar to seeing intricate sculptures in a museum. To emphasize this immersive experience, Hughes even brought in artist Ross Pino to paint directly onto the final design.

Backstage: The Foundation of the Show

It took many people to bring this show to life. Volunteering under Janisa, the lead of La Renaissance Paris, we were assigned various roles: the content team for photography and videography, VIP management and guest relations, and the backstage crew assisting with styling.

While a few of us were Temple students, the team included people from all over the world. Connecting with peers who share the same goals was exciting. Even during stressful moments, we worked as a collective to set up the show, assist backstage, and remain professional once guests arrived.

This served as the best “crash course” in fashion management. I gained hands-on experience, from fitting garments on models to learning how to stay calm in a high-energy, fast-paced environment. Being there meant seeing every small, complex part that goes into a production and witnessing the passion and drive of every person involved.

The Vision Behind “The Look”

The makeup and hair perfectly exemplified the designer’s vision, highlighting the elegance and complexity of the pieces. The makeup featured white feathers placed directly under the eye, paired with white eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliner. Every model shared this look, yet each remained unique. The hair consisted of long braids, and the overall styling reflected Hughes himself by merging French and Caribbean influences.

The collection felt like a dream-like fantasy, consisting of gold accents, white fabrics, and a variety of textures. The Prince George Ballroom was the perfect venue, as its detailed gold ceiling mirrored the complexity of the garments. The silhouettes felt both vintage and futuristic, while being timeless pieces that added to the feeling of luxury.

The Process

The transition from backstage to front of the house was intense. It all started in the very beginning when I first arrived. I was directed backstage where the production crew, models, and the designer were preparing for the show. I began by reviewing the guest list and helping the models, then later transitioning into helping my team arrange seating, gift bags, and VIP tags.

Assisting models with their practice walk just an hour or so before guests arrived.

Watching the models practice their walks in the garments felt like a "sneak peak" of the final vision. As guests began to arrive, I noticed that they were all dressed so perfectly they could have been in the show themselves. I was feeling heavy anticipation in these moments leading up to the show. I had that “fake it til you make it” mentality, initially questioning if I was prepared for such a responsibility. Working the front of the house meant that I’d be responsible for the guest’s first impressions of the show. But, the more guests I checked in and sat, the more my confidence grew.

Designer Maison Valerian Hughes (left) with model Dominique Jackson dressed in the finale art piece and their team by their side.

When the show began, I had a perfect view from the third row. Actress Shahadi Wright Joseph opened the show in a swan-like piece, embodying a dainty but powerful energy. The finale featured model and actress Dominique Jackson walking the oval-shaped runway. Her first walk displayed a “blank” version of the piece. On her second walk, artist Ross Pino approached with a bag of spray paint. Next thing I know, I was watching a true show of art. Watching him paint directly onto the garment and its wings was a thrilling, unexpected end to the show that left the audience captivated. I looked around the room and saw stunned expressions on every face.

The Curtains Close

The main takeaway from this experience is that fashion is a group project, made up of a massive and intricate team. Even the smallest roles are significant in ensuring a show runs smoothly. Although my role felt small at times, our work ensured the show would go as planned.

To my fellow Fashion & Business club members: I encourage you to seek out these opportunities in the fashion industry. You won't just leave with the credit of working at NYFW; you will leave with a deeper understanding of the industry and a gained confidence in your abilities. I was honored to be able to represent Temple’s Fashion & Business, along with a few other club members who made their way to NYFW, and be a part of such a cool experience. A huge thank you to Maison Valerian Hughes and the Le Renaissance team for allowing my peers and me to be part of such an incredible show.

Written By Ella-Henry Schaeffer

Edited by Aidan Angeles