Backstage in Paris: Finding Inspiration at Fashion Week
Backstage at Ofelia Otello. Photo by Giovanni Causarano
This fall, I traded my salon chair in San Clemente for a styling station backstage at Paris Fashion Week. What started as a leap into the unknown turned into one of the most creatively energizing experiences of my career. From exploring the city solo to collaborating with visionary designers, here’s what I learned about beauty, artistry, and rediscovering the spark that started it all.
Arriving in Paris for Fashion Week felt like a dream. Getting into the cab, stumbling through broken French—it was all so surreal. The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and there were still so many unknowns about how the week would unfold.
After more than two decades in the hair industry, I’ve done a lot. I’ve gone from student to educator, worked behind and in front of the camera, built a loyal clientele, and created The Temple. But working backstage at Paris Fashion Week? That was a first. I came with curiosity and an open mind, ready to be inspired and connect with other top stylists. I started the journey alone but soon joined an incredible team of artists.
Fashion has always been a passion of mine. From DIY punk-rock outfits as a teenager, hoarding W magazines to curating my look before stepping into the salon each day—style has always been a form of self-expression. It’s art in motion.
Exploring Paris
The first few days, I was completely on my own. As a toddler mom, wife, and salon owner, solo time is rare, and honestly, it felt strange. I didn’t quite know what to do with myself at first. But I figured it out: a pain au chocolat here, a filet au poivre there. The flea markets were dreamy, the Eiffel Tower peeked out from unexpected corners, and I walked nearly 18 miles in two days taking in Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Seine, the gardens of Versailles and the Arc de Triomphe. I hopped on and off the Metro like I actually knew what I was doing.
Then, it was time to get to work.
Backstage: The Work and the Vision
Our team met for the first time at Seminar, where the designers shared their creative direction for the shows. The energy was a mix of nerves and excitement.
Ofelia Otello, a designer from Paraguay, wanted something ethereal—a sleek, low ponytail combined with soft, airy waves framing the face. Her collection was colorful and flowing, full of movement and light.
Gensami, an Italian knitwear brand, went the opposite direction—strong, structured, and modern. Their collection showcased architectural knits and even jewelry made from woven materials. They wanted hair that looked wet and sculpted at the top, then softened through the mid-lengths and ends.
As I watched both visions come to life, I noticed the common thread: contrast. Structure and fluidity. Strength and softness. The kind of balance I’ve always loved creating through hair.
Showtime
When showtime hit, everyone brought their A-game—in both skill and style. Even with strict dress codes, the team looked effortlessly chic. The energy backstage was electric. The previous hair team rushed to clear their stations as we found our places. Then the floodgates opened: models weaving between hair and makeup, nail techs crouched beside us trying to finish manicures in time. We’d pause mid-style so models could head out for run-throughs, eyes darting to the clock, hoping to finish before call time.
There was chaos, yes, but it was beautiful chaos. Stylists jumping in to help each other finish looks, production calling cues over the noise, videographers and photographers darting around capturing every moment. It was fast, intense, and alive. And in that rush, I felt completely in my element.
What I Took Home
I’ll be honest, at first I thought I came to Paris for the experience, the networking, and maybe even the clout. But when someone on the team asked if I’d do it again, I had to pause. The real reason I’d say yes has nothing to do with any of that.
I’d do it again for the creative spark. For the chance to step out of my routine and be reminded of what drew me to this craft in the first place. The energy, the innovation, the artistry—it’s addictive. And it’s coming home with me.
xo
Jacqui