The Real People Who Make Models Look Pretty

Every exciting tale has an even more intriguing backstory.

When you flip through photographs of a fashion week or attend a show, what do you see? A platoon of perfect po-faced models flouncing down the runway. They sport magical makeup, colourful nails and gorgeous hair. And flash the freshest fashion.

You don't get to view the mammoth crew of professionals responsible for this moment, watching with bated breaths, praying a show goes smoothly. They make the thrilling backstory. They breathe life into trends.

What can possibly go wrong at a fashion show? A key button or critical zipper or important hem holding up precarious ensemble may malfunction or fall off. Worse could be a flesh flash or when a model trips.

Nothing terribly tragic happened at the latest edition of the Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI. Months of toil and weeks of rehearsing ensured that.

Rediff.com's Hitesh Harisinghani wanders curiously, camera in hand, behind the curtains, to show us the enchanting invisible elf hands that bring about the sweet success of a ramp outing.

IMAGE: A brush hovering so close to your eye can make anyone flinch.
Not for former Miss Universe India Reha Sukheja, who is an ocean of calm navigating through what's just another day at work.

IMAGE: Delhi-based model Anushka Dhaka relaxes as discreet hands get the job done.

IMAGE: Model Hemangi Parte's hair-raising moment.

IMAGE: Many models already owned or pick up backstage skills.
Aasthaa Ssidana, here, perefers to do her own makeup.

IMAGE: Donning a new pair of tinted lenses.

IMAGE: Reet Randhawa ensures her strappy outfit is secure for the runway.

IMAGE: Trust girls to multi-task like pros.
Candice Pinto utilises her green room downtime for a quick video call with a friend.

IMAGE: Apoorva Rampal surrenders to the artist.

IMAGE: Lights, camera, chaos... Jeet Rana is the picture of zen.
She knows how to breathe and chill in the face of anything.

IMAGE: No it's not a pillow shoot.
It's her getup for the runway!

IMAGE: The heady few minutes after a successful ramp walk.
Khushboo Kankan's happiness knows no bounds.

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