Fashion weeks attract many to check out the latest offerings by ace designers of India. One cannot help but admit that it's also the gorgeous models scorching the runways that pull many to the venue. However, all forget the real heroes - stylists and make-up artists who make divas out of these models and give the ramp 'the look'. This year, one such hero made it from Bangalore. Make-up artist Zarine was part of the styling team at the Lakme Fashion Week 2008-09 (LFW). Metrolife chatted up Zarine as she reminisced about her first-time experience at the green room of LFW.

To begin with, how did LFW fall in Zarine's lap? "I have known make-up artist Coreen Walia from Mrs World days. We worked together then. He gave me the opportunity. We were split into two teams and worked on three shows per day," narrates Zarine, adding, "And everything went like a clock. Timing was imperative. I have visited the New York fashion week and I am proud to say that India is on a par in terms of discipline in the green room."
Did Zarine find any difference between Mumbai and Bangalore on the discipline scale? "Mumbai is far more professional and friendly than Bangalore. At LFW, we worked from 8 am to 10 pm. But everything was well-organised. There was a separate room for make-up, hair and garments. We were well taken care of with lavish buffet spreads and regular round of snacks," she recalls.

Zarine wielded her make-up wands on top models, creating magic for big labels like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Narendra Kumar, Neeta Lulla, Krishna Mehta, Priya and Chintan, Anupama Dayal and Arjun Khanna among others at LFW. She worked on the no make-up look for Sabysachi, glam style for Neeta Lulla and a unique Sardar 'pagdi' look for another label.

What was the key look that Zarine saw this fashion week? "Eye make-up was the most striking feature. I saw some extremely interesting trends that Bangalore has not seen yet. Like just half the eyelash in silver and the other half in black. Very high fashion," she explains with child-like enthusiasm.

So, who did Zarine enjoy working with the most? "All designers were friendly and the models treated me with a lot of respect. That was nice to see because people have this misconception about Mumbai models being impolite. I am back with a high and a bag-full of memories," ends Zarine on a nostalgic note.