Fashion Blogs

There has been at least one fashion show you have seen on TV or heard about it on the news or social media. Or perhaps you have been working in the industry for some time and have attended one. One thing is for sure – you probably noticed how over the top these events are, involving all sorts of visual installation to create that fabulous atmosphere that is so characteristic for the fashion industry.

So, you might also wonder what goes into the preparation of such fashion events and what are the things that make them so memorable and intriguing. Setting the scene is important in order to create an unforgettable event and make people come back to buy your products.

Whether you're a designer starting your career and needs some tips on how to organise a fashion event, or you're working as an event planner who needs to go through the necessary steps in organising something memorable, we’ve got you covered. As these are some of the most important aspects to consider when planning a fashion show, you have a useful starting point.

Location and layout

First and foremost, the location is the one that needs to be chosen according to what kind of show you want to put on. Regardless if it's a catwalk or product launch, you will need a lot of space. Remember that you will have models who need to get ready, guests to accommodate, bars to provide beverages and a few displays showcasing your products, so a spacious location is highly essential.

In terms of layout, this will have to be arranged in a way that gives importance to each activity. For instance, the runway will be your main focus, and seating arrangements need to be set accordingly, so everyone has a clear vision. This will be followed by a designated area for display and entertainment, where your guests will be able to have a drink and chat while being able to preview the collection.

Immersive display

The way you exhibit the products is highly important, as you want the people attending your event to be able to see your products closely. When you walk into a store with a well organised visual display, where you can peruse the products easily, it has a great positive effect on you.

The same goes for fashion events. An idea would be to include several pop-up stands to showcase part of your collection. An unconventional way of displaying clothing is through suspended hangers. The fashion industry allows for boundless creativity, as long as it can be done safely. 

To make your display unforgettable, you could include immersive corners. For instance, “Instagrammable” installations by the pop-ups will not only generate traffic to your products but will also increase your social media presence. There is no secret everyone attending the event will be on Instagram, so you might as well give them enough reasons to be posting. 

The community

Without your guests, there is no show. They are the ones giving life to your event and making it famous both offline and online, across all digital platforms. Therefore, you need them to create and maintain the hype around the event and collection. 

In this type of industry, it is vital you invite people with all kinds of roles. From buyers and magazine editors to influencers and other celebrities, no matter how influential, your guests are the firsts to see your product. So, their opinion will probably influence your customers as well.  

It’s all about creating a community and a sense of belonging. No matter the type of event, you can create enough buzz around it if the right people are present. You should include the target audience of your brand one way or the other. For example, a renowned fashion designer reinvented how fashion events are created by introducing the "see now, buy now" initiative. What this meant is that clothes from the runway would immediately be available for purchase. This allowed loyal customers to feel like part of the show and the community around the brand.

Music 

There is no secret that it is highly essential to create the right atmosphere for any type of event, and music is the ideal way to set a mood. Depending on the theme and type of event, you can use music to complement the setting. 

For example, if your brand is more minimalist, simple yet with a strong message, a suitable music genre could be electronic. Or, perhaps, if the situation allows it and works well with the brand, you could include live performances by known artists. Regardless of the direction in which you choose to go, there is no doubt that music is an aspect that can improve your event, and your guests will feel completely immersed in the universe you’re trying to create.

Models

Your models are essentially presenting your customers' profile, so it is highly essential that the models of your choice reflect the characteristics of your brand’s established audience or the audience you want to reach. 

Regardless of the type of clothing items you're selling, it is vital to include a variety of body types to make your target customer feel included. Moreover, you could include well-known models as well as hidden gems who can make their debut as models at your show. This could be a strategy that might generate further discussion and hype, even when the event has ended.

Backstage focus

In order to create a memorable fashion event, your backstage activities need to run smoothly so you can plan a show to remember. The chaos that can happen backstage with models getting dressed, make-up artists and hairstylists preparing their looks and photographs capturing everything is enough to create issues on-stage if the schedule isn't followed as closely as possible. An essential aspect to consider is last-minute fixes, so you have to be prepared to allow time for your stylist to alter anything that needs fixing.