A fashion show is no ordinary affair, and finding the right space to host your fashion is no easy task. It takes more than just a runway and a crowd to put together a fashion show that both shows off your clothes and gets people talking.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to planning your show and finding the right fashion show venue. We’ve prepared a host of tips to show you what to look for and what to consider when searching for a venue to host your fashion show, as well as things to do so that it goes off without a hitch.
Models walking on a fashion show stage with the audience and lighted decorations lining the catwalk
Everything you need to know about planning a fashion show
Like with most big events, there is a step-by-step process to putting together and hosting a fashion show. To help you get everything off the ground smoothly, we’re going to break down the process and explain the most important things to consider when planning.
Figure out the details
This is your most important step. Figure out what items will be in your show, when you want to hold the show, and how many models and guests should be in attendance. Most fashion shows revolve around a theme. Figuring out the details of this theme and what pieces of your collection match that theme are important before you begin looking for a fashion show venue.
You should also figure out your total budget. The clothes may be yours, but paying for everything can still be costly. Consider the costs of booking the venue, setting up the venue to suit your needs, and hiring models and any additional support staff you may need.
It’s also important to include a catering budget for champagne, cocktails, food, and other necessities.
Once you know what you need, you can figure out what you have to spend in total and budget accordingly. Spending too much on the fashion show venue or the food may leave you short on money for setup and support staff.
Pick a fashion show venue that matches your aesthetic
This is one of the most important steps to putting together your show. Apart from having enough space to fit the runway and the audience, the aesthetic of the venue should match the style of your clothing.
The goal of a fashion show is to showcase your creations in a good light. Elegant dresses might not look at home in an industrial loft space. The venue should reflect your collection, as well as your vision for the pieces.
Remember that venues cost money, so make sure that the space you choose doesn’t blow your budget for the fashion show. There are more than enough venues out there. While it is important to match your venue to your aesthetic, that doesn’t mean that the venue should eat the bulk of your budget.
Decorate the space to match your theme
As we mentioned, most fashion shows are themed around a certain style or aesthetic. From the runway and the lighting to the decorations and music, your theme should directly correlate to and compliment your fashion line.
If you’re going for trendy and urban, then the space and lighting should highlight that. Lower lighting in urban buildings sets the scene for trendy urban fashion. The same is true for elegant fashion as well, with bright lighting and elegant decor complimenting the long dresses and flowing gowns.
Organize your models
If the venue and theme are the heart of the fashion show, then the models are the backbone. Hiring the right models can also be the most expensive part of the show. The general rule is that each model shouldn’t change outfits more than three times. But if you’re on a budget, you have to work with what you have.
The first thing to do is find a reputable modeling agent if you don’t already have models lined up. An agent is necessary to find professional models who can execute your look. It may be tempting to try this on your own, but it’s better to use somebody who knows how to find the right people to pull off your style.
Making sure that you have enough models lined up and that they are available on the date of the show is crucial to your fashion show being a success.
Advertise your show
Once everything else is in order, you can begin marketing your show to important people in the industry. Even amateur shows should have some level of media and industry coverage.
That’s why it’s important to spread the word about your fashion show via whatever means you have available. This can be social media posts, newspaper ads, blurbs on local business pages, or anything else, so long as it explains the purpose and intent of your fashion show.
You don’t have to have a professional advertising budget to spread the word about your fashion show, but you should make the effort to market however you can.
Woman wearing gown posing on a runway with audience members on either side of the catwalk
Hosting a fashion show: final thoughts
There you have it: our guide to hosting a fashion show. Hopefully, with the tips we’ve provided, you can plan, organize, and market your next fashion show and make it a smashing success.
Finding a fashion show venue is an important part of the process and can make or break your show. Be sure to look around and find a space that matches your vision.