How to Produce a Fashion Show

Clothing designers present their upcoming collections to buyers and style arbiters at fashion shows. If produced correctly, a fashion show is a fantastic display of models and designer clothing sashaying down a white runway to the beat of music. Budding designers and amateur fashion show producers can follow these fool-proof steps and produce their own fabulous fashion show without fail.

Instructions

1. Select the fashion show’s theme. Whether it is ready to wear or plus-size fashion, deciding the show’s focus is your first priority. The theme of the fashion show--spring or summer, evening wear, wedding or sportswear--will ultimately determine the type of collections you will exhibit.

2. Secure the venue. A fashion show venue should be selected a minimum of three months before the show date. Consider five factors when selecting a venue: lighting needs, backstage area, stage set-up, adequate parking and price. The price of the venue should not exceed 35 percent of your total fashion show budget.

3. Select the clothing to be displayed. The clothing designs are the true stars of the fashion show. Prepare a list of designs. Determine how many clothing changes each model will need during the show. The number of items that you will show will determine the number of models and backstage crew needed to produce the fashion show.

4. Recruit models and fashion show production talent. Several weeks before the show date, hire models and backstage talent. Hairstylists, make-up artists, dressers, a DJ, a photographer and stage crew will be needed to produce your fashion show. Contact an agency that represents models, hairstylists and make-up artists to book talent. If your fashion show budget is limited, hold a casting call instead.

5. Solidify the media, guest and VIP list. Invite a list of fashion editors, models and department store buyers to your show. Send out invitations no later than six weeks before the show date. Compile your list of confirmed guests before the show date to ensure that the media and important guests are on the final show guest list.

6. Create media buzz. Send out press releases announcing the show to the local media. Start your media blitz three months before the show date, to alert fashion publications about the presentation of the collections. Don’t forget to include fashion bloggers in your pitches to media.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a consultation with the lead make-up artists and hairstylists to discuss hair and makeup ideas that correspond with the theme of the collection.

• If you are working with first-time models, schedule rehearsals a minimum of 4 weeks before the show date.

• Make plans for your VIPs and members of the media to have seats in the front row.

• Hire a photographer with experience capturing live action photos to capture each piece of the collection as it is presented on the runway.

• Months of hard work and preparation are required to produce a successful fashion show.