Just came back from AFWA and got on my laptop ASAP. In this quick plog I would like to give you a sneak peek at the pictures I took during the prep and backstage at Africa Fashion Week Amsterdam (AFWA 2014) today at the World Fashion Center (WFC) in Amsterdam. You’re going to see my snapshots of the set up, the catering, the fashion designers and the models talking things through, and the designers getting their models ready.

It is a mixture of pictures taken with my phone. Starting with all the volunteers of this day waiting for the first briefing on what to do and to expect. Then I’m taking you backstage where the models are getting their make up and hair done and dressed. Even a photo of my favourite model Haddy to show you that, yes models do eat. The last photo displays the feet and the pretty shoes of the last models who walked the runway this first day. Here we go:

Backstage set up:

My lovely fellow volunteer hostesses:

The food is here, time to get it out of the elevator:

Giving you a piece of Africa before the show:

Badges, badges, come and get which one is yours:

Setting up the catering for the night:

Peek a boo, I can see you:

The designers, make up artists and hair dressers doing their thing:

This is how the crew can enjoy the runway shows backstage:

Fashion model Haddy shows that models do eat:

Designers getting the outfits ready for the models:

A little treat for the guests, hand cream from sponsor Erica and AFWA pens:

Runway rehearsal with the runway coach:

Sneak preview of some African fashion in the hallway:

The Caterer for the event:

AFWA in the newspaper AD:

Preparations for the last three runway shows of the evening, no more breaks in between. Go time:

Model Fatima, who I helped to get this outfit on:

The showstopper of the night with the designer who is behind it:

Many hands on one model. How to tie a African style headscarf in 15 seconds:

The headscarf is all done:

The last models to walk the runway before the showstopper:

That’s it for the sneak peek post. Be sure to check out the runway show post from this first day which I will share soon. Tomorrow I will be attending day two as press as the fashion and lifestyle editor of The Caribbean Fashion Spot and independent editor for XX Fashion Diva. So I will have my press/ guest hat on and look at the show from a different side. Don’t miss that a cover story. Stay tuned!