'The hardest thing I've ever done' - Backstage at London Fashion Week with scouted Kidderminster salon owner

Stacey McKnight, the founder of Stacey McKnight Hairdressing in Blakedown, spent five days at February's star-studded event styling hundreds of models for the runway. 

The 33-year-old, who was born in Kidderminster, was asked on to take on the role by a London Fashion Week representative last year after she was awarded Hair Extensionist of the Year 2023. 

Now winding down after a whirlwind of excitement, she spoke to the Express & Star to reveal what the atmosphere was really like at one of the world's most prestigious fashion events. 

"It was honestly a dream come true," she said. "But it's true what you hear, it's extremely fast-paced. You can't just say 'I'll just be another five minutes' because the models need to be ready bang on time. 

"You're purely working off adrenaline. It was the hardest thing I've ever done."

Despite having to work at breakneck speed, Stacey says the whole event was extremely well organised and everyone lent each other a helping hand. 

"It was actually so friendly, everyone pulls together as a team. There were co-ordinators, people letting you know how long you've got so you're prepared, others tweaking things and helping each other. But yes, the best way to describe it is very fast-paced," she said.

Having grown up in Worcestershire, Stacey says it was a 'dream come true' to have been given such a prestigious opportunity. 

"I never imagined I would be getting into that line of work," she said. "I thought you had to be a celebrity stylist to do it."

And the glitz and glam didn't end there, as Stacey was even asked to work at Paris Fashion Week, which comes to an end on Tuesday. Sadly, she couldn't take them up on the offer this time. 

"It would have been amazing," said Stacey. "but I had other commitments. Hopefully I can make it next season. It really is all a dream come true."