Fashion, Fashion, Fashion: Production + Etiquette

As some of you may know from my 1st post in this blog series, I talked about how my event background formed around fashion show production. Then in February's IGtv recap about What To Look For In A Venue, I threw in some pointers specifically towards fashion shows. With that being said, I thought I would just write a post with a few tips on what to really hone in on when it comes to putting on a show and all the details to watch for. Ready?

1.) The environment, space and everything in-between really creates the overall feel for the show.

When you attend a fashion show or see photos of a show, how many of you feel and know exactly what the line is going to look like? I do 🙋‍♀️ You want to make sure that the space matches the collection so your guests can really embrace it and imagine themselves wearing the items.

2.) Think outside the box.

Get creative when it comes to the space, the backdrop, the runway itself and the seating. Interior design and the fashion industry really are the trendsetters for ALL trends, I mean EVERYTHING including outside of the home and fashion industry. We're bar setters so first impression is everything. #GoBigOrGoHome. Plain and simple.

3.) Seating is SUPER important.

I mentioned this in my IGtv episode last month as well as the recap post; yes, it is your event, but it's all about the guests. When I was doing fashion shows on the reg, I would set up the seating myself (yes, I'm super hands-on). I would walk down every aisle since I have hips for days so that I knew that every guest could comfortably walk to their seat without trampling over other guests if they were already seated, or even sideways for that matter (is that not annoying?!).

I also sat in each section to make sure that the guests could see the runway. Now if someone tall sits in front of them, there's nothing I can do about that (unless it's assigned seating, of course, and I know every single person coming to that show).

Lastly, one other thing I looked for when test sitting (haha, see what I did there? Referenced test driving), was to make sure that the guests DID NOT see the models before they would head out on the runway. OMG, that is the biggest detail I pay attention to. When I go to shows where I see the models beforehand, it drives me C-R-A-Z-Y!! 😖

4.) Have a good Green Room.

Again, I mentioned this in last months post, when scouting locations specifically for a fashion show you HAVE TO make sure your Green Room fits all the bells and whistles. So this may be a little repetitive if you did in fact read last months post, but I'm going to say it again:

1 - When you're touring the space and you see it empty, you have to think about all the racks that will be in there, all the models along with all the assistants and hair/makeup artists.

2 - Look at the lighting. Hair and makeup artists have to have great lighting otherwise they could put a completely different shade of foundation on a model where it doesn't match their skin. I know that sounds weird, but it's the truth. If you have to bring in lighting, that will take up even more space. Also, is there ventilation in the room? When you bring in lighting THEN you add in all the vendors and models, it will automatically get hot in there real quick. If that happens, the work ethic goes down, makeup will start to run and everyone's hair will most likely get frizzy.

3 - Is there enough outlets?

5.) Last pointer - Let's have some etiquette people!!

If you are the designer, vendor or model, for that matter, please make sure you are on time. I can't tell you how many times I had models show up late (or even the designers) and they don't even care that they're late. As a fashion show producer, I have a tight schedule. I am not only running the rehearsal for you, but I also have to make sure that all the other vendors are good to go including all the other entertainment that probably has a rehearsal and setup of their own. Not only that, but I have to do the overall setup, get my staff situated with checking in and placements, catering, the venue is good to go, etc. I could go on and on. I can't tell you how many times people showed up late and I honestly will never work with them again. You are your own business and you're representing your brand, even if you're a model. Act like it!

If you're a designer just starting out or another fashion show producer, I hope this gets you into the right direction 😘

Till next time,

Melissa