Behind the magnificent scene lies the real savior: a stage designer and his portable Steam Iron.
I'm a set designer, responsible for bringing the brand's ideas to life on stage—from setups to ad shoots, pop-up events, and on-the-fly styling. To outsiders, it may seem glamorous, but behind the scenes, unpacking boxes at 3 a.m. and starting work by 6 a.m. You have to make the clothes flawless from the hangers to the models in the spotlight within just 12 hours.
I always carry a ironing machine with me, not because of any "elegant lifestyle", but for the sake of professional dignity. Even one crease can ruin a million-dollar scene.
So, the Steam Iron machine has been kept in my suitcase all year round. The following are my 'emergency rescue notes' from ten years on set.
【01】A single pleat in the skirt hem can ruin an entire fashion show.
That was a preview show in the SoHo district. The backstage was in a complete mess and there was only fifteen minutes left until the end. The model put on a limited edition silk dress. When the spotlight shone on it, the creases on the skirt looked like jagged lines under the spotlight.
I didn't say much. I simply took out the Steam Iron machine from my backpack, slid it under the fabric, and it smoothed out. My heart didn't slow down, but the skirt was saved.
You can’t control the weather, the venue, transportation, or the models’ moods. But you can ensure one thing: the clothes must not get wrinkled. That's why I carry a Steam Iron machine with me - not as a lifestyle choice, but as a bottom line.
【02】Under pressure, you have to be responsible for things that are invisible.
Most of the time, I'm not in the office, but in the studio, backstage, or on the construction site - the kind of stage location. What really gets me is not retouching the photos, but the fabrics, static electricity, fluff, and the never-ending shortage of time.
People talk a lot about creativity, but the camera notices the little details. If a suit is not ironed properly, no matter how expensive it is, it will look like a cheap item in the picture.
I once spent the early hours of the morning, using a Steam Iron machine to iron out the shapes one by one. There was no air conditioning, no headlights, just the humming sound of steam. My wrists became so sore that they went numb. I kept refilling the water tank over and over again. But when the sun rose, the clothes in the camera were all clean and every single one was worth it.
Over the years, I've encountered too many problems on the job. Only then did I realize: the gear I pack has to hold up under real pressure.
The lightweight and easy-to-use Steam Iron machine is like my right hand to me. At critical moments, it must never fail.
[03] The thunder I've encountered is more than you might think.
In a flash mob event in London, I arrived at 5 a.m. to handle thirty sets of clothes. I brought a portable ironing machine that was claimed to be a "designer collaboration model". However, as soon as I started using it, it leaked water and almost spoiled the custom-made gowns. On that day, I simply threw it away.
During a shooting in Milan, I had to deal with the curtains and the stage set-up temporarily. That machine's steam was too weak; the wrinkles didn't budge for three minutes. In the end, I had to use my hands to forcibly pull the fabric and relied on the residual heat to iron out a little effect.
At that moment, I finally realized: Most of those flashy, internet-famous products aren’t made for people like me, on the front lines. We don't need to be flashy; we need to be reliable.
So I set myself five "strict requirements". If any one of them is not met, this machine will not be allowed to enter my box.
It needs to heat up fast: If no steam is produced within 30 seconds, it is immediately disqualified.
The steam must be stable: it should not fluctuate wildly, nor should water be sprayed out.
The grip should be smooth: You can complete the entire set with one hand, without twisting your wrist or slipping.
The materials should be compatible: silk, chiffon, wool, cotton and linen all need to be wearable.
The size should be small: The space for traveling is life.
【04】Five standards that I have verified on-site
15 seconds start-up
For me, machines that take more than 30 seconds to operate are simply unusable. This one basically produces steam within 15 seconds, which is among the fastest types.
2. Stable output for 10 minutes
When shooting, you often need to handle dozens of clothes consecutively. This device can maintain a stable steam supply all the time and will not suddenly stop or stop spraying water.
3. Natural feel
The grip angle is similar to writing, and it won't tire your hands even after continuous use for twenty minutes. Switching hands while walking is also very smooth.
4. Common fabrics can be used directly
There's no need to repeatedly switch settings. Silk, wool, chiffon, cotton and linen, as well as stage fabrics, can all be used directly. We've tried it and it doesn't damage the fabric.
5. Really small, can be taken away
The so-called "portable" feature is just a marketing term. This device is very compact and can truly fit into the carry-on bag. Some even work on dual voltage, perfect for international trips.
【05】Three Real Scenes
Backstage of the New York Preview Show
Before going on stage, the pleats of the silk dress were clearly marked. I finished the pressing with a Steam Iron machine in less than five minutes. The photographer gave me a thumbs-up right then and there.
Shanghai new product shooting
The set used sheer curtains, which needed to be straightened. I moved around while using the ironing machine, adjusting from various awkward angles. The key was that it didn't drip water.
The night before the pop-up event in Los Angeles
The sample clothing shipment was delayed, and all the clothes in one box were wrinkled. I worked through the night in the hotel, finishing twelve sets of looks. The next day, the brand manager thought I had hired night workers.
It’s not glamorous, but I trust it—it won’t let me down.
【06】Choose a device that won't break down.
The condition of the clothes determines the texture of the shot and directly reflects a person's professionalism. You can wear Zara or Dior, but as soon as wrinkles or collapses appear, no matter how expensive the clothes are, they will lose their appeal.
The best Steam Iron machine is not the most expensive one, but the one that you can operate and feel confident using at the critical moment.
For me, it's this Nesugar; for you, it might be from another brand. The details are written here.
【07】Before making a purchase, ask yourself these four questions first.
Don't be fooled by the appearance and the "internet-famous" designs. Think about these instead:
Can this fabric you often wear handle this?
Would you really like to put it in the suitcase?
Would you be willing to spend an extra ten minutes to ensure the condition of a piece of clothing?
Could you accept it if water damages the silk?
If your answer is the same as mine - "no compromise" - then look for a Steam Iron machine that can keep up with your pace and stick by your side through emergencies and overtime work.
Here’s hoping that even in the craziest moments, we can step in front of the camera looking clean, neat, and wrinkle-free.
