3 minute read
Alicia McQuilliams
Head of show
ALICIA MCQUILLIAMS | HAIR STYLIST & RUNWAY PRODUCER
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Interview & Photography by Charlie Price
You are so good at running the backstage at a fashion show. Was that something you thought you might want to do or did you fall into it?
Show production was never really on my radar. I had always been fascinated with runway but never really considered being a part of shows until about 10 years ago. I was still very fresh in the hair industry when I caught wind of a show in Denver being run by Charlie Price. I was determined to see if runway hair would be something I enjoyed doing. After contacting whoever was in charge of the shows by email, I was able to get in contact with Charlie. He brought me on as a hair assistant for that show and I completely fell in love. As the only assistant that showed up that day, I busted my ass to get my hands in every segment available. I really wanted to leave a lasting impression that I was eager to be involved and to learn. I was invited back the next season and that is when I was asked to try my hand at helping with production. The rest is history. By taking that step to get involved I found an unexpected love for producing runway shows.
What is the most gratifying part about mounting a runway show and what is the most vexing part?
For me, I think there are two particularly gratifying things when it comes to being a part of runway shows. First, is working side by side with designers, especially local ones, to showcase their amazing talent and hard work. Having their trust that I will produce a flawless show for them so they can focus on the creative aspects of their segment is paramount. Second of course is the end result. All of my focus during a show is on choreography, timing and all the small backstage details. I do not get a chance to sit back and enjoy the show the same way our guests do, so I love seeing the photos and videos of the segments. I think the most vexing part of a show is drunk people! I am all for having some drinks and enjoying myself but I have seen it all. From people getting sloppy, dumping drinks on the runway, trying to get backstage, running back and forth over the runway, to changing seats during a show, etc. That stuff is very disruptive when you are trying to focus and to keep the show running on time.
You are also a very busy hairdresser. Tell me about your clientele.
My focus in the salon is color. My clientele at this point is about 60% blonding services (balayage, highlights, all over blonde and everything between) 40% custom color (vivids, custom color formulations, lived in color, etc.). I stick with what I am passionate about. I love doing color in every facet.
How would you describe your personal style?
For the past couple years I have been really trying to establish my style by embracing my body and dressing to show myself instead of hiding or conforming to a dress code. I have been working on becoming more comfortable with myself. My style has kind of evolved to be a mix of grunge, soft Goth, dark cottage core and something I like to call grandma core. Comfort is key!
I know you are very opinionated. Do you think politics and strong opinions should be a part of hair and fashion?
Whether people really care to acknowledge it or not, our industry does have a huge influence on the world. I think this industry is used to evoking all types of responses. After all, it is about individuality and self-expression. I am all for designers/stylists who want to use their platform to bring light to causes or opinions important to them as long as their representation is not racist, bigoted or harmful towards others.
