HOW TO Be Part of FASHION WEEK! Learn From Brian C. Hawkins

MODERN editors are frequently asked, 'How do I get on a team for Fashion Week'? Most hairdressers believe this is an opportunity just for NY based professionals, so we are regularly thrilled when we see the out-of-towners working side by side with Eugene Souleiman, Guido, Nick Irwin, Orlando Pita, Odile Gilbert, Ted Gibson, Rodney Cutler, Peter Gray, Jon Reyman or any of the other superstar hairdressers tapped to lead during fashion week.

Brian C. Hawkins surprises us every season. He is not (yet) one of the big name lead's, but he is a FW regular, either as lead or support stylist. Even more shockingly Hawkins is one of the few artists that is equally talented as a hairdresser and make up artist and can be found on either side of the table prepping models. Making it even more interesting, Hawkins is based in Columbus, Ohio as the independent owner of Studio Elements. This past season he worked five shows during New York Fashion Week: Lead Hair for Erin Fetherston, Lead Make up for Gita Omri, Heart & Noble and Minnoji Collection; and on the support team (under David Cruz) for the Rebecca Vallance Collection.

MODERN checked in with Hawkins and asked key some key questions about Fashion Week. Here he gives the answers, including HOW TO make it on a team backstage.

MODERN: How did it happen for you?

Brian C. Hawkins: Just like anything else, network, network and network! It honestly started for me through [industry icon and friend] Winn Claybaugh and Theodore Leaf. Winn inspired me and said he would connect me to the right people knowing that I wanted to be part of Fashion Week. I then met Theodore Leaf, a celeb hairstylist, who called me and invited me to be on his Team for LA Fashion Week. That was 7 years ago. From there I continued to be invited to work with him as well as other amazing Lead Hair Stylists including Ted Gibson, David Cruz and Omar Lopez.

MODERN: What should a stylist have, in addition to talent, when applying to be on a team?

BCH: Having an updated portfolio of your work and the credentials of other opportunities under your name (editorial work, tv/film, etc.,) is what helps build your brand and gives you credibility. You can't wait for them to come to you. You must be pro-active and go for it. Make sure to have a body of work in addition to desire.

MODERN; How about as lead?:

BCH: I actually let many designers know that I wanted to be lead their shows. So essentially reaching out to the designer(s) you want to work with with your portfolio, credentials and ultimately a positive attitude and mindset is what gets you looked at and considered. There are additional things that a designer may require in terms of sponsorship so that is also considered in being placed as lead. This is kind of a secret to the outside world. Many large companies sponsor a show and place their own people on the team. Sometimes, actually frequently for the bigger name designers, you must have the support of a brand that you've worked with. Artists and educators on a sponsored show have a better shot of getting on a team or becoming lead. Once you've established yourself as lead it's almost a domino effect, the more shows you lead the more additional shows and designers will be presented to you.