Fashion shows can be held for small events (such as school fundraisers) or can feature as major international events in their own rights (e.g. London Fashion Week). For every kind of event, a corresponding fashion show will take on an identity of its own. The purpose of a fashion show is to showcase clothing and accessories (whether from one designer, a variety of designers or a specific store). Therefore, the style and nature of the show will depend very much on the characteristics of the clothing being showcased.
Style / Theme
To host a fashion show, you will likely have a designer or outlet in mind that you plan to expose. Look carefully at their specific style and what they aim to achieve with their range. They may be a budget-friendly range of funky young styles, or may cater to an older, more professional market. Perhaps they are committed to encouraging the wearers of their garments to be themselves, and will, therefore, want the models to look unique. Before you can do anything else, you will need to establish exactly what the designer(s) are trying to accomplish with their range and then work within that frame.
Venue and Décor
Your venue needs to be in line with the style or theme of your fashion show. Therefore, if yours is a show that displays vintage-style wedding dresses, for example, the gardens of an old manor house may be ideal. However, if yours is a cutting-edge style of clothing range, a roof-top in the city centre would be more appropriate. Your venue should be:
- Large enough for a generous catwalk as well as a stage.
- Air-conditioned to ensure that spectators do not get flustered or frozen.
- Within your budget.
- Accessible to the largest number of your target market.
Likewise, keep your décor in line with the theme. Ensure that it is striking and effective, but does not detract from the focal point; the models and the clothing.
Models
Depending on the designer, they may have a range of models that they usually use. If it is not quite such a formal event, you will likely have to source models yourself. In the case of a small school function, ask learners to volunteer as models, and allow every one that does so an opportunity, not discriminating against overweight, short or inexperienced ones. If yours is a more formal event, contact agencies that supply models for just such purposes. Ensure that your agency of choice understands your needs and can communicate with you so that you can work together on this initiative.
Sponsors
Organising sponsors may go a long way in assisting with the costs of the event and in raising awareness. This gives the sponsors ample exposure and encourages a future relationship of working together for a specific cause. The additional funds will no doubt help you, as the event coordinator, to put something really special and memorable together.
Judges
Most fashion shows require judges to rate the models and / or clothing. If this is the case, ensure that your judges are objective, fair and au fait with the basis and motivation for their judicial decisions. For example, it would be inappropriate to judge school children on their figures and poise, whereas Miss World contestants would be heavily reliant on such factors for their position within the competition.
Some other factors to consider include:
- Music – this should be in line with the style and theme of the fashion show.
- Hair and make-up – ensure that models look and feel their best so that they exude confidence.
- Construction – most fashion shows will require that a safe ramp (and perhaps even the stage) be constructed especially for the event. Factor this into your planning process.
- Lighting – do not ruin a fashion show by casting shadows or not providing enough light on the garments.
- Tickets – spectators will need to purchase tickets before and / or at the event. Make arrangements to ensure that this process goes as smoothly as possible.
- Media – if your event is going to be a significant one, or one that benefits the community, do not hesitate to inform the local media about it. This includes bloggers, newspapers and even news channels.
Photo Credit: Fashion Directory
