Picture this! Jason Lloyd Evans' fashion show archive

British photographer and Wallpaper* contributor Jason Lloyd Evans has been shooting behind-the-scenes backstage snapshots from the runway shows of the world’s most creative, luxurious and boundary-pushing brands, since the early 2000s. During today's downtime, he’s delved into his enormous photographic archive, which spans cities, creative directors and aesthetic shifts, and spotlit his favourite backstage images from brands including Balenciaga, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Prada. Here we reveal these sublime snapshots, which will allow you to indulge in a little sartorial escapism.

Miu Miu S/S 2004

‘This image marks a very different time, when backstage was a much less structured environment.  It represents an unguarded moment and a different perspective to today'. – JLE

Christian Dior Haute Couture A/W 2004

‘Because the backstage area was so small, there was no ‘First Looks' option to shoot the ready-to-wear images.  A few of us were outside and realised the models had to go outside and walk effectively the length of the catwalk out of sight from the guests to get to the backstage ‘line up’. I got my first Sunday Times Style cover from this show by stopping two models for just five seconds.' – JLE

Chloé S/S 2005

‘There was a really great cast of models around this time, always with such a fresh energy, like Daria Werbowy and Gemma Ward. At this time, Chloé was headed up by Phoebe Philo, before she joined Celine.' – JLE

Yves Saint Laurent S/S 2006

‘This image reminds me of how fashion is ever evolving. Stefano Pilati was at the creative helm of the house then, and I had the pleasure of shooting Pilati’s new label Random Identities at Pitti Uomo in January. It was a very hot morning the day of this show at Paris Fashion Week. This first backstage shot as always been one of my favourites.’ – JLE

Balenciaga S/S 2007

‘Nicolas Ghesquière’s shows were always great to shoot. At this time, Balenciaga's venues were always very small and the backstage area was tiny so we never knew what we were going to get to shoot. It was a period when things were much freer and less controlled.' – JLE

Marc Jacobs S/S 2008

‘Marc Jacobs really ruled NYFW during this time. His shows were always the most exciting. This may have been the one that started two hours late!’ – JLE

Alexander McQueen S/S 2009

‘Everyone knows about the intensity and energy of Alexander McQueen and it was always such a buzz to be in his fashion show environment. The amazing storytelling, total theatricality and the commitment of everyone involved in the process was so moving. Everyone was going that extra mile for creating a McQueen's vision and the intensity at those shows was unparalleled.' – JLE

Louis Vuitton A/W 2009

‘Vuitton was a show that was very difficult to get into for backstage imagery, and that time and I never knew if I would get access or not. Here, flash was not allowed but the light was perfect without.' – JLE

Prada A/W 2010

‘Every Prada show is special to shoot. This shot ended up being a cover on Harper Bazaar Australia’s Fashion special. It was really well received and the magazine went on to do the same supplement for a couple of years. They produced a post season magazine which was full of my backstage and beauty shots and was a great record of my month of shows.' – JLE

Jil Sander S/S 2011

‘Working for Jil Sander at this time was amazing. Its then-creative director Raf Simons was really seen as number one and the brand's shows were always so special. This showspace was tiny and I was the only person allowed backstage. It was so special to capture these collections.' – JLE 

Stay tuned for the next installment, covering 2012 – 2020

INFORMATION

lloyd-evans.com