- 14 April 2026
- Apprentices & Events & Success Stories &
A career in hair and beauty can lead you to opportunities greater than you ever imagined - like backstage at Paris and London Fashion Week. We caught up with four Kleek Apprentices who were given the incredible experience of working behind the scenes at these major events.
Paris
Art Deco glamour. Runways draped in elegance. Icons from all over the world.
For two Kleek Apprentices, this was more than a fashion show. It was one of those ‘pinch-me’ moments that they’ll never forget…
In July 2025, Niamh Hughes from Saks Northallerton and Mia Stobbs from Saks Teesside were given the incredible opportunity to assist celebrity stylists, Luke Pluckrose, Ky Wilson and James Lear during the exclusive Tamara Ralph ‘La Perle Rare’ Fall 2025 show on 7th July in Paris.
The Paris Fashion Week show, set against the stunning backdrop of the Palais de Tokyo, showcased Tamara Ralph’s latest Fall-Winter 2025-2026 collection, inspired by the elegance of the Art Deco era.
Both apprentices played a crucial role behind the scenes, contributing to the glitz and glamour that typifies high fashion. The timeless elegance looks that were created ranged from low sculpted buns, intricate twists, 40s waves, texture and soft sleeks.
Of course, we caught up with Niamh and Mia afterwards to find out all the goss! Here’s what they had to say:
Niamh: “I got the most amazing opportunity to go with my work colleague Alex to Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. Assisting the amazing Luke Pluckrose at the Tamara Ralph Haute Couture Show was SURREAL. I also had the pleasure of meeting talented hairdressing influencers James Lear and Ky Wilson, which was an unforgettable experience.”
Mia: “Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week was the BEST experience of my life from start to finish. I am so extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity at such a young age.”
London
Vintage charm. Famed footwear. Catwalks delivering glamour galore.
This was the scene for another two Kleek Apprentices as they experienced the buzz and creativity of London Fashion Week.
Leah Lang and Ruby Pyne from Design a Head in Tonbridge had the opportunity via the UNITE Runway Ready at Lacey’s team. Here’s what Ruby and Leah had to tell us:
Ruby: “It was an amazing opportunity! It came through my boss putting me into the runways ready team, which opened up the pathway to work behind the scenes at London Fashion Week.”
Leah: “I felt nervous at first, but also really excited — it was such an amazing chance to experience hairdressing in a completely different light and push myself creatively.”
“It was fast-paced, so a lot of it was about teamwork and making quick adjustments. It was so powerful seeing the hair, makeup, and outfits all come together on the runway!”
Leah and Ruby were involved in three different session days for Vinted x Oxfam, Jimmy Choo Academy and Oxford Fashion Studio.
Both apprentices worked backstage, prepping the hair and creating various hairstyles chosen by the designers for the models. The highlight was doing touch-ups in the line before the models walked out and seeing the hair they created on the models strutting down the catwalk.
Niamh and Mia’s experiences at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, and Leah and Ruby’s at London Fashion Week, offer just a glimpse of the incredible opportunities a hairdressing career can give you. Where to next? New York Fashion Week, maybe…
Article first published in Issue 4 of the Kleek Magazine, 2025, Page 33