Images via Rose Letho/Instagram
As told to Lara Daly
Behind the scenes.
What really happens backstage at Fashion Week? Is a question I’m always itching to ask the Aussie makeup artists, hairstylists, models or photographers who I know (via Instagram stories) are in Europe or New York for the exciting shows in September. Understandably, the hectic schedule of working on these world-class runways means we rarely get to see beyond the beautiful end result on model’s faces.
Melbourne-based makeup artist, Rose Letho, is no stranger to the international Fashion Week circuit. A much-loved makeup artist in the Australian fashion scene, Rose has been painting faces for local labels like Karlaidlaw, Cleopatra’s Bling, Sabi and Raga Malak. She’s gone on to build quite the resume in the global beauty world, too, working on the makeup team for Isamaya Ffrench at last year’s London and Paris Fashion Week shows for Junya Watanabe, among others.
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Last month, she was back in Europe, lending her skills at the Fashion Week shows in Paris and Milan, this time assisting renowned makeup artists like Diane Kendal and Thomas de Kluyver for Missoni, Raf Simons, Issey Miyake and more. After an exhaustive few weeks on the tools, still jet-lagged from the long trip home, Rose was kind enough to share her photo diary with us.
Day one: Milan
I arrived at 11pm to my accomodation in Milan, the night before an early start for my first show of the season. Starting the morning with 30 minutes of LED light therapy and a grocery shop so I had some snacks and ingredients for breakfast each morning.
An espresso and water before the demonstration look.
An amazing opportunity assisting Diane Kendal for Roberto Cavalli SS25.
Glowing skin for Missoni.
Picking up some new (very demure) beauty treats from Isamaya.
Day two: Paris
Coffee in Paris with the girls from Refy Beauty.
Backstage with makeup artist Hiromi Ueda at Issey Miyake.
Trying to keep my skin calm while traveling has always been a challenge so this trip I have implemented a few new things — on top of my usual skincare!
1. I do 30 minutes of LED near infrared light therapy and meditation to support my nervous system during this busy time.
2. I always bring my own silk pillow case when I travel.
3. I take my PuraU skin supplement to look after my gut health.
4. Getting plenty of sleep and water are non-negotiables for me when I travel!
Another special season assisting Thomas de Kluyver and his team for the All In SS25 show, styled by Lotta Volkova of course.
View from the 60-something floor we were working on.
Baby’s first time at the Emirates lounge — there were roses on every table. A good omen perhaps.
To see more from Rose, follow her here.