The success of a fashion show is often measured by what happens under the spotlight. Critics discuss silhouettes, fabrics and storytelling. Audiences remember striking looks and dramatic finales. Yet long before the applause begins, another performance is already underway—one that takes place backstage. There, precision replaces glamour, seconds matter more than minutes, and dozens of […]
10 months ago
The success of a fashion show is often measured by what happens under the spotlight. Critics discuss silhouettes, fabrics and storytelling. Audiences remember striking looks and dramatic finales. Yet long before the applause begins, another performance is already underway—one that takes place backstage. There, precision replaces glamour, seconds matter more than minutes, and dozens of professionals work in perfect synchrony to ensure that the designer’s vision reaches the runway exactly as intended.
At Heineken Lagos Fashion Week 2025, held under the anniversary theme “In Full Bloom,” that backstage ecosystem was on full display. As Africa’s foremost fashion platform celebrated fifteen years of nurturing the continent’s creative industry, designers presented collections that reflected both artistic ambition and technical excellence. Among the professionals contributing behind the scenes was Emmanuel Ajanaku, who served as Production Assistant and Model Dresser for Emmy Kasbit’s REBIRTH presentation.
Fashion Week is unlike almost any other creative event. Once the lights come on, there are no second takes. Every model must appear at precisely the right moment, every garment must fit perfectly, and every accessory must be in place before the music cues the next entrance. Behind a presentation that may last only fifteen minutes lies weeks of planning and an intense backstage operation where timing, communication and preparation are as important as design itself.
This becomes even more demanding for collections built around a strong narrative. Emmy Kasbit’s REBIRTH was more than a seasonal offering; it was an exploration of renewal, history and identity inspired by the life and legacy of King Jaja of Opobo. Creative Director Emmanuel Okoro imagined a contemporary interpretation of one of Nigeria’s most influential historical figures, combining handwoven Akwete textiles with silk, linen and deadstock wool to create garments that honoured tradition while embracing modern luxury.
The presentation unfolded like a carefully composed story. Earthy tones, sculptural tailoring and richly textured fabrics moved seamlessly across the runway, while the opening tableau—featuring a model seated beneath a portrait of King Jaja—immediately established the collection’s historical inspiration. Every look formed part of a larger visual narrative, demonstrating the brand’s continued commitment to craftsmanship and cultural storytelling.
Presentations of this complexity demand flawless execution behind the scenes. A model may have less than a minute to change from one outfit into another. Garments must be steamed, fastened, adjusted and inspected moments before stepping onto the runway. Accessories must accompany the correct look, while any unexpected issue—from a broken fastening to an ill-fitting sleeve—must be resolved instantly without disrupting the show’s rhythm.
It is within this environment that Production Assistants and Model Dressers become indispensable. Their work requires technical understanding, organisation and composure under pressure. They coordinate garment preparation, assist with rapid outfit changes, maintain the integrity of each look and support the wider production team in ensuring that the runway presentation proceeds without interruption. While their contributions are rarely visible to audiences, they are fundamental to the success of every fashion show.
Serving in both roles, Emmanuel Ajanaku formed part of the team responsible for delivering Emmy Kasbit’s vision from backstage to runway. His responsibilities demanded careful attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently within one of the most demanding environments in the fashion industry. Every successful entrance, every immaculate silhouette and every uninterrupted transition reflected not only the designer’s creativity but also the discipline of the professionals working behind the curtain.
What makes backstage production particularly remarkable is that its greatest achievement is invisibility. When the audience notices nothing beyond the clothes themselves, the production team has succeeded. The runway appears effortless precisely because countless challenges have already been anticipated and resolved before a single model takes a step.
Emmy Kasbit’s REBIRTH ultimately stood as one of the memorable presentations of Heineken Lagos Fashion Week 2025, reaffirming the brand’s reputation for combining cultural storytelling with refined craftsmanship. Yet like every successful runway show, its impact rested on far more than the garments alone.
As Production Assistant and Model Dresser, Emmanuel Ajanaku contributed to the unseen choreography that transformed a designer’s ideas into a seamless live experience. His work is a reminder that fashion is not sustained solely by creative vision, but also by the skilled professionals whose expertise allows that vision to unfold with precision, confidence and grace before the world.
