If you happen to be backstage at fashion week, you’re bound to see Daman Choudharry frantically running around with his call sheets, a pen and no time on his hands. Why? Because Daman, along with his business partner, Ravneet, own Runway, a backstage management team to ensure that every model is accounted for and every show is on schedule! So how does he survive Fashion Week? We asked just that!
Team MissMalini: It’s Fashion Week, your first thoughts?
Daman Choudharry: No sleep, long hours and a brilliant time!
Team MM: At Lakme Fashion Week (LFW), what awaits you? Give us a feel of the job?
DC: LFW has become such a part of my life! Backstage, our challenge is to make everything work so that once the music rolls, the show looks like a dream!
Team MM: How do you prepare for it?
DC: It requires a lot of strength, mentally and physically. But it comes naturally because I love what I do. Every minute of it!
Team MM: What are you looking forward to? And what are you dreading?
DC: A lot of tantrums, bitchy fights and gossip! Just kidding, the pace of fashion week is such an adrenalin rush! Love it!
Team MM: What keeps you going through the long hours?
DC: I have made so many friends all along these years and a lot at LFW. They keep me going.
Team MM: What’s in you fashion week kit? Must haves?
DC: My perfume, loafers, French thermal spring water to keep me looking refreshed. (Wink!)
Team MM: Bust one fashion week myth?
DC: “Models stop eating food for the week.” Ha ha!
Team MM: Any thing in particular that always freaks you out? How do you overcome it?
DC: It is hard to please everyone at all times! I stick to the larger notion – ‘The show must go on.’
Team MM: For the new kids on the block, what advice would you give to survive fashion week?
DC: It’s the best opportunity to find your own style! So much to absorb all around. And don’t forget to party hard!
Team MM: And finally, how do you plan to ‘survive’ it?
DC: The days are mad with work and the evenings with mad parties! And a little party never killed no body! 😉
So that was Daman’s side of the story. Stay tuned for more on our “How To Survive Fashion Week” series with a top model, a stylist/magician and the true rockstars at fashion week! And, of course, we’ll also bring you all the deets ‘n’ dish on and off the runway at Lakme Fashion Week.
Pix: Daman Choudharry