BACKSTAGE AT ALVIN VALLEY

Text and Backstage Photos by Helena Sung
Runway photos by Jay Gambino Esparza

“That’s Matt Damon’s sister!” a man yells, pointing at one of the blonde models getting ready backstage at the Alvin Valley F/W 2009 runway show.

 
“I’m his step-sister,” clarifies Sarah Bradford, seemingly embarrassed by the overstatement. “My mom married his dad.”
 
The designer, Alvin Valley, is interviewed backstage before the show.

Walking the runway for the first time, the 21 year-old aspiring actress gushes about Alvin Valley and her love of the desginer’s high-waisted pants. “He is one of the most talented designers,” Bradford says. “I love the cut of his clothes. They’re timeless, sophisticated, sexy and chic. I feel so thrilled and privileged to be here.”

 
Sarah Bradford, 21, is walking the runway for the first time at the Alvin Valley Show.

Talking to reporters backstage wearing an AC/DC t-shirt and big rollers in her hair, Bradford sports some crazy eyeshadow around her blue eyes.

“The look is soft, beautiful, glowing skin with an intense, strong eye,” the show’s key makeup artist, BP Carmouché, from DEX New York, explains.
 
 Sarah Bradford, stepsister to Matt Damon, poses for photographers backstage before the show.

Carmouché uses DEX’s mineral-based makeup to create a light, natural look for the skin with a flawless finish. The lips and brows are kept natural, but the eyes are bold. To create a “pop of color,” Carmouché uses DEX’s Mineral Pressed Shadow in “Rockefeller” (a pearl golden tan color) and “Grand Central” (pearl golden coffee brown) with a dusting of pinkish-orange pigment.

Across the room, Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza sits with her eyes closed as Carmouché does her makeup for the show. Upon meeting her backstage before the show, the designer Alvin Valley spontaneously asked her to walk the runway for him. Mendoza obligingly poses for photographs with rollers in her hair.

 
Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, getting made up to walk the runway in the Alvin Valley show.

It’s more than thirty minutes past the show’s start time, but no matter.. When the show finally does start another 15 minutes later, Mendoza glows in a floor-length golden beige gown. Bradford struts like a pro in a body-hugging skirt suit.

 
 
 
 

 
 
 

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