Pictures of the week: Bouncers, by Barbara Anastacio – in pictures

The Paris fashion shows are dominated by the quest for the perfect image. A scrum of photographers huddles at the end of each catwalk. A tidal wave of iPhones confronts every front row celebrity. Photograph: Barbara Anastacio

On the pavements outside, street-style photographers stalk the most chic and outlandish guests. For the past couple of seasons, Barbara Anastacio has turned her lens on one of the fashion week factions others ignore: bouncers. Photograph: Barbara Anastacio

Almost always men, these are the guardians of backstage areas who ensure boundaries are enforced and restricted areas are interloper-free. Photograph: Barbara Anastacio

“Most are charismatic,” Anastacio says, “and so well-dressed in their suits. Everyone else is trying to look as individual as possible, so it’s funny that the bouncers are the ones that stand out. They have an authority and a patience to them. It’s almost as if they are soldiers; symbols of discipline and order in the chaos.” Photograph: Barbara Anastacio

Anastacio has observed charged moments between bouncers and members of the public. “It’s a stressful environment. Often the bouncers have no idea who anyone is in the industry, so they have to read people, to think quickly – there is a lot of concentration involved." Photograph: Barbara Anastacio

“So much of photography is about access – whether to a specific place, or to somebody’s secret,” Anastacio continues. “The bouncers are the guardians between the magic on the catwalk and the mess backstage.” Photograph: Barbara Anastacio

Anastacio says of the bouncers, “they tend to be super-handsome, with amazing hairstyles”. Photograph: Barbara Anastacio

Wherever the show, however, the bouncers’ reactions to being photographed tend to run along similar lines: “Some find it really flattering. Some are so concentrated on their job they don’t even realise. Many try to move away, because they think they are ruining my shot.” Photograph: Barbara Anastacio