THE PROJECT RUNWAY CONNECTION
DOPE TAVIO
by Octavio Aguilar
Designer Octavio Aguilar competed on Project Runway, Season 19. His label DOPE TAVIO has shown at FMFW, including its ICONIC collection in May 2026.
ES HAIR STUDIO TEAM / MIAMI, FLORIDA
From Training to Runway
An exclusive educational program developed by Elena Sydorova, with Juan Lino as the main instructor and support from experienced ES Hair Studio Team members, combining online training with hands-on education at FMFW.
THE EXPERIENCE
A unique opportunity to receive professional training in fashion backstage hairstyling and apply your skills at an international fashion event as part of the official ES Hair Studio Team, led by Elena Sydorova — an internationally recognized, multiple award-winning hairstylist and educator, and Official Hair Team Director for FMFW.
FMFW / PAST-SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
FMFW brings independent designers, established creative voices, models, and production teams together. Its previous seasons offer a glimpse of the professional environments that inspire this program.
THE PROJECT RUNWAY CONNECTION
Designer Octavio Aguilar competed on Project Runway, Season 19. His label DOPE TAVIO has shown at FMFW, including its ICONIC collection in May 2026.
BRANDS FROM PREVIOUS SEASONS
FMFW’s designer archive includes Smart SwimSuits, Mariano Moreno, Hardcore Fashion, Perfect Population by KL Allen, The Room by Juan Castillo, ANURUQ, Kenneth K-Bobby Edgar, and Verdict Still Out.
The May 2026 shows also featured QUINTUS, Arwen, 12 Decembers, and other independent labels.
ELENA’S BACKSTAGE EXPERIENCE / MAY 2026
In May 2026, Elena Sydorova provided hairstyling for Smart SwimSuits at FMFW. The presentation brought reality-TV personalities to the runway, including Sue Smey from Survivor, Jessi DiPette from Squid Game: The Challenge, and a large group of Beast Games Season 2 participants.
This experience connects Elena’s teaching with the practical demands of preparing recognizable talent, working to a show schedule, and translating a designer’s vision into runway-ready hair.
Fashion Week Online’s May 2026 report credits Olena Sydorova among the beauty and backstage team and documents Smart SwimSuits’ presentation with Beast Games participants. Read the event coverage ↗
These are highlights from past editions. The November 2026 designer and model lineup is determined by FMFW and may differ.


TRAINING / PRACTICE / CONNECTIONS
ONLINE & BACKSTAGE EDUCATION
Developed by Elena Sydorova, the program begins with an online masterclass of approximately 3–4 hours, led by main instructor Juan Lino with support from ES Hair Studio Team instructors. Receive practical guidance, professional tips, and insights drawn from real runway and backstage experience. Explore designer references, preparation techniques, organization, and the professional rhythm of runway hairstyling.
At Fashion Week itself, experienced ES Hair Studio Team members will be on hand to guide and support you throughout the backstage process—from model preparation and hairstyling techniques to timing, teamwork, and questions as they arise.
NOVEMBER 14, 2026
Backstage: approximately 11:00 AM–10:00 PM (Miami time).
Hands-on backstage experience preparing models for the main designer runway shows as part of ES Hair Studio Team.
NOVEMBER 15, 2026
Professional networking, photo and video opportunities, and limited model hairstyling assignments as scheduled.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
FASHION WEEK BACKSTAGE PRO
November 14–15, 2026 · Miami, Florida
$390 USD
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