As part of Textile & Fashion Hub – Unveiled, the offical open day taking place on Friday 30^th March, we are really excited about the fashion parade taking place. This presentation will showcase some of the wonderful designers already involved in the Hub via the TFIA’s Cluster Groups and includes labels such as Lui Hon, Limedrop and Sosume. Activity will commence on site at 5:45 pm and will be followed by wrap up drinks and the chance to network. The runway show also features the talents of Hair & Makeup artist Nadja Mott and the team at Rokk Ebony who will work to put the models’ hair and make up looks together. We caught up with Nadja to find out a little more about her and where she gets her inspiration from.

My background is Sculpture and Design and I have always loved the visual arts and performance. This was easily translated into the makeup industry. Over the years my clients have included Australian Ballet, Claude Maus, Obus, Levis, Bul, Fat Stores, David Rosetzky, Cadbury,  Ford, Maybelline, TAC and Alexi Freeman. Aside from brands, I also work with celebrities both locally and internationally. Some of my clients include John Saffran, Emily Blunt, Cate Blanchett and Michael Klim.

The shows and events I’ve been involved in are wide and varied. Since 2005 I have work with the Caulfield Racing carnival, and since 2006 the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival. I am also part of the Hugo Boss instore shows, the Chicago Hair Expo runway show and work with performers at the Sydney Olympics.

I first got into the industry when I was a sculptor and needed to earn a living. I wanted something opulent that was an extreme contrast to getting my hands dirty; I also has a very strong desire to work within a team.

I worked the retail side of makeup and skincare for two years and I started to notice my co-workers crushing powders for custom face powders and using syringes to make unique foundations – I was hooked!  (Although I’m sure I was hooked when I used to spend hours from ages 14 – 16, doing my makeup then analysing it, before washing it off and doing another look!)

I was taught some basic techniques on how to apply makeup , which led me into running a beauty room for Chanel where I did makeovers all day. I learnt the art of making someone so happy by lifting their mood by improving their appearance and hiding their flaws. It was then I started my freelance career, slowly starting with friends and weddings.

During this time I heard rumors about something new coming to Australia… I got the job and was thrilled to met KD Lang and Rue Paul. I worked for MAC in Melbourne, Chicago and Sydney. It was here that my freelance career really started to blossom in films, stills and shows.

My favourite part of my job is creating! Mixing concoctions for the face and body that sing on the skin. Sculpting hair. Receiving a brief and taking it apart then making it happen and seeing a happy client. I love working in a different location each job and that the friends I have made through my work consist of fashion designers, stylists, photographers, film directors… I love the creativity that exists within my circle.

What inspires you to come up with the looks for fashion shows? My inspiration comes from getting to know the range I will be working with for the show. I get to understand the theme that the designer is wanting to achieve and once I see the models who are to be involved, I am able to start visualizing what would work and what wouldn’t!

Tell us a secret! What is something that many people don’t realise about your job? The main part of my job that most people may not realise is the pressure. There is always a tight deadline with time and this can be stressful. Meditation has helped me balance this out… It used to take me so long to unwind from a job, now all I need is 20 minutes and I am back on track.

Textile & Fashion Hub Cluster Network Fashion Runway… can you tell us anything about the look you will be going for? Yes, I have the look locked in for hair and makeup. In this case the looks need to suit a large range of outfits. It’s very classic and dare I say, a bit 90’s supermodel! This look slightly reminds of a fashion show I directed in Sydney – the makeup was based on the Stephanie Seymour’s makeup in November Rain by Guns ‘n’ Roses. She was so beautiful in that video!

What advice would I give to up and comers in the industry? The advice I would give is don’t go straight into hair and makeup – do a variety of things first, like travel, architecture, graphic design, set design – anything! And lots of it. Then when you start hair and makeup your work will be rich and informed.