From Nick Irwin’s twisted hair texture (seen in progress in second image) created from twisted sections and hair jewellery (a trio of chains hanging from  ear to ear), the texture and color, the metal toe capped boots to the mystic ethnic prints, Hoffman’s backstage was everything her aesthetic is; natural, dreamy, mythical and far flung.

Stay backstage.

For fall 2013 the Nicholas K woman is inspired by the artic explorer by way of the tough street Nicholas K signature.

The palette was olive green, grey and black. The structure, slouchy and draped with layered outerwear being key.

Snoods, hoods and googles added to the intuit explorer feel. Footwear was wedges with elasticated strapping detail.

Breathtaking, everything.

When sculpture and architecture met the purity of white.

These backstage photos afford a closer look at Hussein Chalayan’s hats for his spring 2013 Black Line.

One part wide floppy brim hat, one part visor. The plastic neon insert in the brim of the hat cleverly creates the illusion of the sporty visor.

Two is always better than one.

I have always found the the actual process of design more fascinating than the end result. It is the story of how it came to be as it were, that intrigues me.

It is no wonder than that I find Phoebe English’s (the designer is pictured being interviewed in image three from top) work interesting. The designer continually explores the design process and the maker in her work.

This season, everything from the palette (white inspired by masking tape, blue informed by blue tailoring chalk etc) to the actual composition of garments was inspired by the process of design.

Particularly memorable is the bugle beading, the bell wing like sleeves, the organic feel of the garments and the metal forms models worn around ears and in their mouth.

You can always trust DVF for lots of color (the contrasts are always rejuvenating) and a vacation feel. The turquoise makes me wish I were on a plane to some sun soaked destination.

This season I am particularly liking her accessories and the gold lame detailing. How radical (in a good way) is that eyewear? Seen on Diane herself in the second image.

The work of Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce has long celebrated the sensuality and tradition of Sicilian woman (Domenico hails from Sicily) as juxtaposed with symbols of Catholicism and the celluloid imagery of Italian cinema.

These backstage images show that this season the Dolce & Gabbana woman is as Sicilian as she gets. There is the usual focus was on her curvaceous form, highly worked baroque detail and her devotion to her religion.