By Paul Meekin

I’m not long back from London Fashion Week and I’ve been bursting to share all the backstage gossip with you. The TIGI Artistic Team invited me over to work with them as a guest stylist as part of London Fashion Week - so I jumped at the chance.

I was really proud to represent Northern Ireland in London and felt honoured at being asked to take part.

Even though I’ve been in the business for more years than I care to remember, and have worked on tons of shoots and fashion shows, I still got a huge buzz out of this amazing experience.

But first up, I want to say a big thanks to everyone who nominated me for the Ulster Tatler People of the Year awards - I was thrilled to win the Hairdresser of the Year trophy.

It came as a total shock, as I was up against two fellow stylists who I really admire and respect, Keith Kane and Sharon Malcolm. But I was absolutely thrilled to receive the title and I think it reflects not just my work, but the work of my entire team at partners.

The glitzy ceremony took place in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall last month, not that long after I got back from Fashion Week, so I still had stars in my eyes from it.

Backstage there was really hectic. Each show featured around 24 models and thankfully, the girls were mostly really friendly although they did get a bit diva-ish when we had to do some backcombing.

Even though it is the highlight of the UK’s fashion calendar and one of the most prestigious and edgy fashion events in the world, it’s far from glam backstage.

We have to work so fast that it’s hard to take it all in, you’re constantly working against the clock trying to get the models ready. At one stage I had a nail technician working on the floor beneath me painting a model’s toenails as I did her hair! It seemed chaotic at times but somehow it all worked out in the end.

Lots of fashion TV channels were there while we were working and I probably ended up on some TV shows. It was also great working with stylists from other countries, as my fellow TIGI team members were all hand-picked from all over the world for their speed and session work experience.

For the Jaeger Vodafone show at Somerset House we styled the girls with high pony tails with some extensions added so all girls had the same length hair.

For the London-based Norwegian fashion designer, Kristian Aadnevik, the hair was all waist-length and extra-straight - all the models had their hair ironed sleek and had extensions in.

For knitwear designer Mark Fast, we created Marcel waves using large pins and tucked the hair into the nape of the neck to make it appear shorter.

The whole event gave me lots of ideas and inspiration to bring back to Partners. I’m really excited about the Autumn/Winter season and all the new looks I’m looking forward to trying out.

The sleek high pony tail, as seen at London Fashion Week, is really hot this Autumn, as are twists and plaits.

The vintage look will continue to dominate, with victory rolls, beehives, Marcel waves, pin curls and sweeping Veronica Lake fringes all adding a touch of silver-screen goddess glamour to modern gals.

Shorter styles will be much closer and sleeker - Drive actress Carey Mulligan is the current poster girl for the elfish, cropped look.

Meanwhile longer-hairstyles will be very soft with loose tousled waves or soft curl from the mid-lengths to the ends.

All the buzz surrounding the Belfast Festival from 14-30 October - tickets usually sell out quickly, so I’m hoping to go along to see some shows if I can.

The X Factor - I can’t help it, I’m glued to the TV and dying to find out who will win and if they’ll hit the No 1 spot in the charts this Christmas. I’m backing local girl Janet Devlin all the way!

Our latest package especially for Sugahfix readers - a back massage, facial, nail file and polish and eyebrow wax for just £30! Just quote Sugahfix when you’re phoning up to book an appointment.

Ryan Gosling! He’s such a brilliant actor and he has two new films out, Drive and Crazy, Stupid, Love. One’s a stylish thriller and the other is a laugh-out-loud comedy - I’m loving them both!