Being behind the scenes of FWC Glam Jam put alot into perspective for me on how a production of this magnitude is executed. Fresh AveNew’s whole idealism was to bring a spotlight to how awesome it is for our city to have a fashion week, because many of my peers did not know it even existed. We attended 90% of the volunteer meetings to get a clear understanding of the process and to assist behind stage with the designers and models. FWC was started 10 years ago by a “gentleman” named Donald Shingler. Scratch that…there was absolutley NOTHING gentle about this man. His attitude towards his crew and volunteers was almost unbearable in a lot of cases. Many would agree that his lack of support and appreciation to the artistic/project director really baffled me. Considering this was her first show, it was almost to the point where it was evident that he was setting this young woman up for ultimate failure.
Designers entered a contract that stated they were to pay an entrance fee for the runway show. This fee was supposed to include models, hair and make up for the models and also PR. Well the models VOLUNTEERED. They were not paid. Also their was one person doing hair for 60 models, who might I add VOLUNTEERED her own products and time. As far as make-up was concerned no one available. A “VOLUNTEER” decided to contact someone she knew who was unavailable until 6:00 p.m. By the time the make-up artist arrived, she had to do alsmost 60 faces with a call time for the runway show at 9:00 p.m.!!! A few models missed line up behind this. Some designers proceeded to do their own models hair and make-up. Lastly there was little to no press!!! And to top it all off some designers paid a $100 entrance fee, some paid as much as $250 and some paid NOTHING!!! Huh???
However, there was something positive that came from this whole ordeal. The project/artistic director and her team did not give up despite of her lack of support and resources. The designers and assistants pressed beyond the negativaty and disorganization when many wanted to pull out at the last minute. The designers and their assistants encouraged each other and offered an ear when someone needed to vent. What needs to be understood is that fashion is not just something to wear and be admired by the consumer. To these designers fashion is their LIFE! That is something that should not be taken lightly especially from the person (DONALD), who is the machine behind FWC. I personally feel he could care less about the stress that he placed on these designers as long as he recouped the residual income.
In this day and age we should be ever wise of “opportunist” and know when we are being used. We should demand our credit and make valid our importance in every milestone we are involved. There is a non-comforming admiration for people who we think have monetary status. This is what I call “silent superiority”. We should not be subject to the circumcision of our quality as human beings to acquire benefit. Never succumb to one’s status quo to jeopardize our integrity.
Fresh AveNew 