Fashion shows are timeless, memorable and unique events.
Whether to promote a new brand or products, simply to represent an association or organise an annual event, fashion shows require meticulous preparation. Between recruiting models, reserving the venue, welcoming the public, managing the fashion show and all the related activities, you need to leave no stone unturned.
To help you organise your fashion show, here are all the elements you need to consider to make your event a great success.
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1. Define a theme
First and foremost, you need to choose a theme, subject or cause for your fashion show. Generally speaking, this can be related to the upcoming season: summer collection, fall fashion, or around a specific color, fabric or pattern: wax, lace, all-white outfits, etc. Finally, some fashion shows can be held for very specific occasions: Christmas, Valentine’s Day, the birthday of a major designer…
Likewise, a fashion show can be an effective way of raising funds for a cause close to your heart or a particular association. In this case, link the theme to the reason you’re supporting. Be specific about the point you want to make. The main attraction for spectators remains the collection presented on the mannequins and the overall experience they have during the event.
2. Set a budget
Organising a fashion show naturally requires a relatively substantial budget. It’s important to define a budget that’s realistic and as comprehensive as possible. This can include the cost of renting the venue, paying models, make-up artists, hairdressers, music, lighting and security, food and beverages, logistics… Make sure you have an overview of the total costs of your fashion show, so you can anticipate the revenue resources you’ll need to find.
3. Choosing a venue
The chosen venue must be able to accommodate your fashion show, audience and staff. It must also be easily accessible and have the technical equipment required for a fashion show. Remember to reserve the venue many months in advance, as these venues are often very popular at specific times of the year.
4. Set a date and time
The date and time of your fashion show should be chosen taking into account other fashion events, vacations and weekends to maximise the number of participants. Choose a weekday evening and set the date several months in advance.
5. Assemble a team
To organise your fashion show, you’ll need a mobilised, well-structured, and competent team. This will naturally include an artistic director, stylist, casting coordinator, lighting designer, DJ, photographer, and staff to set up all the logistics. And don’t forget students, who are often very committed and want to take part in this type of event to learn about the fashion world.
6. Find sponsors
Sponsors can help finance your fashion show in exchange for the visibility they’ll get. Find sponsors who match your brand and values and are committed to your mission and the organisation of the fashion show. To help you, here’s an easy-to-use sponsorship application template tailored to your event.
7. Manage backstage
Make sure that models, make-up artists, hairdressers and stylists have enough space backstage to prepare before the show. Manage everyone’s timing so that everything runs smoothly.
8. Select models
An essential step in any fashion show is the models. They must be selected according to the garments or accessories to be presented. Depending on your choice, they can be professional or amateur. They must be able to parade with confidence and convey the main messages you want to convey to the audience.
9. Think about the guest list
Define the number of guests you’d like to invite to your show. Identify specific profiles among them, such as :
- Customers and partners
- Fashion influencers (Instagrammers, bloggers…)
- Journalists
- Famous personalities, if you can, to attract as many people as possible.
10. Use creators and designers
Creators and designers are the heart of a fashion show. It’s important to select people who have a clear vision of your brand and can produce quality garments. This is one of the main costs involved in organizing such an event, given the rarity and uniqueness of these professions.
11. Plan the show
Organising a fashion show requires meticulous planning for every part of the event. The planning of your fashion show should include the order in which the clothes will be presented, the music that will be played for each passage, how the models will parade, what make-up and lighting will be applied, etc.
12. Communicate around the show
To attract a specific audience, it’s important to promote your fashion show several months in advance. This can include the use of social networks, posters and advertisements on certain media (TV, newspapers, radio…). Again, don’t forget influencers and sponsors to help you better communicate around your fashion show and reach a broader, relevant audience.
13. Rehearse and coordinate
It’s important to coordinate all stakeholders, including models, make-up artists, hairdressers, creators and designers, before the big day. It’s also essential to rehearse each passage, soundtrack and lighting several times so that everything runs smoothly on the day of the show.
14. Manage participants
Finally, to reach a wider audience, offer an online registration or ticketing system. This will enable them to register easily, quickly and securely.
Weezevent supports you in organising your events with its online solutions: online registration and ticketing, cashless payment, access control, and CRM tools!
