Chicago Fashion Week: Behind the Scenes!

Ever wonder what goes on backstage at a fashion week runway show? Last month, Mountains of the Moon showed our spring 2010 collection at both Portland and Chicago Fashion Weeks. The Chicago show, Vert Couture, was the finale event of the week and showcased all sustainable designers. Take a behind the scenes stroll with me through pre-show preps and the show itself as told through photographs! (This story was originally posted by our friends at Ecouterre).



Photo by Chad Smith.


Presenting my Spring 2010 collection at Vert Couture, Chicago Fashion Focus’s first-ever, all-sustainable runway show, on Sunday was an amazing experience—and a hectic one. Many people from Chicago’s fashion and green scenes came together to produce the show, and the backstage buzzed with excitement, chaos, and anticipation as the designers, producers, models, makeup artists, and crew prepared for the event. I took the opportunity in between last-minute fittings, run-throughs, and the show itself to capture some behind-the-scenes moments at this groundbreaking inaugural event.



The official Vert Couture sign, printed with and on eco-friendly materials, was set up in the lobby to greet guests. Dubbed “An Evening of Chicago Spring Fashion and Environmental Responsibility,” the show featured local eco-designers.



Aveda and Sugar & Spice provided hair and makeup for our beautiful Ford Models pre-show.



That afternoon, a final run-through to nail down timing before the big event.



The volunteer dressers arrive and I take a few moments to go through each of my looks with them.



Models from Ford prepared to dress for the show’s first looks.


Press/media set up to cover the show.


Guests fill the seats prior to the show, which was sold out (including standing room only!)


The DJ begins to spin tunes for the crowd in advance of the opening looks.



Looks from our Spring collection hang awaiting their runway debut.



Annie Novotny of Frei Designs and I wait in anticipation to show our collections.


After a quick change-over into my looks, my models wait to walk.


I quickly make some finishing touches on each model before she hits the stage.


The Spring 2010 collection from Mountains of the Moon makes its entrance.


After my collection shows, it's time for all of the designers and models to take a final group walk. And with that, a successful, sustainable show comes to a close!

Many thanks to my amazing assistant Mary Welch Fox (a New York Fashion Week dresser alum), who took a break from Mountains of the Moon to work non-stop for two weeks to help Vert Couture founders Bianca and Michael Alexander create an incredible show.