Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

Backstage at the D&G SS12 Fashion show, I left Andre Ziehe in peace and took a moment to go to the makeup and changing area and as I was walking into the room Jack O’Hara and James Smith stopped me. What did they want?

James Smith having a last minute hair appointment backstage at Dolce&Gabbana SS12

It was James who stopped and, with a look of confusion and frustration said “hi, sorry to interrupt you but I am looking for the headphones person, you know, the person who is giving out the headphones?” he said with a strong British accent. Then Jack chipped in “we’ve been looking for ages but hell knows! Can you help us?”. I want to take a pause there before I continue to explain how these two guys seemed to have created a strong friendship during the backstage antics at the D&G SS12 show. 

 Jack O'Hara on the left with Nicolas Ripoll

Yes, these guys share a rather large common factor, they are models, but it is rare to be backstage at a fashion show that creates such a family atmosphere and these two guys were proof of this! After talking to these guys I looked around at what else was happening backstage and, of course there was a sense of purpose with an edge of stress, but everyone genuinely seemed to be relaxed around each other and taking the time to speak to each other across all levels. Like I said, a welcoming family environment. Right, back to Jack and James:

 Jack O'Hara minutes before the D&G show

 James Smith (2nd from the left) with Tim Ruger and Sam Webb

So, I am obviously backstage and I am happy to help so I offered my services and said yes I would lend a hand and ask about. I know who they are now but at the time I was unsure as to whom they were. I asked them if I could take their names and they responded “Oh, I’m Jack O’Hara and he’s James Smith. Hmm… we sound like Bill and Ben, don’t we?”, to which I responded that I was thinking more along the lines of Shaggy and Scooby Doo on a mission. They laughed at themselves for a few moments before they moved on to entertain someone else. Nice guys. 

 James Smith (far right) with Tim Ruger, Jae Yoo and Jonathon Sampaio

 Jack O'Hara wearing D&G SS12

 James Smith wearing D&G SS12

It is nice to be part of a backstage area that really embraces the sense of communication, life and relationships whilst ensuring that the professional manner of all is kept up and in-check. It wasn't just Jack and James who had created a bond during the fashion shows but nearly everyone shared a joke or two. Don't believe me? Then check out this:

 

For more Conversations with Models, click below:

  

Written by Ben Taylor 

TAGS: dolce&gabbana d&g dolce & gabbana d & g luxury online magazine stefano gabbana domenico dolce backstage behind the seams dolce&gabbana ss12 d&g ss12 ss12 menswear james smith jack o hara jack o'hara tim ruger jae yoo sampaio sam webb nicolas ripoll