Have you ever wanted a peek behind the velvet ropes that lead to the world of fashion events? Have you marveled at the seemingly effortless organization of the hottest events of the season? Well, look no further – here’s the behind-the-scenes story on just how the organizational magic happens! Get a glimpse of how the pros make it all come together and take away a few tricks of the trade. Read on for the story of the organizational know-how and magical beauty behind fashion events.
1) Looking Beyond the Glitz: The Structural Craftsmanship of Fashion Events
As pretentious and exclusive as fashion events might seem on the surface, the reality is much more nuanced. While there is undoubtedly a focus on the flashy, glamorous exterior, the most valuable aspect of such a grand occasion actually lies in the structural craftsmanship that goes into making it great.
Form Follows Function
In the crafting of a major fashion event, form follows function. It is not enough to put an array of intricately designed garments on a catwalk; an effective dress rehearsal will ensure that the performance goes off without a hitch. Every detail must be accounted for, from the heights of the models to the choreography of their poses. Attention to the scheduling makes sure that time runs well and all relevant parties are on the same page. These events do not simply appear out of thin air – it requires plenty of hard work and care to bring each detail into harmony.
A Network of Talent
Another aspect of the construction of a successful fashion event is the network of talent behind the scenes. The stylists, tailors, designers, photographers, make-up artists, hairdressers, and PR professionals, amongst many others, all play their part in ensuring that the event runs smoothly and that it accurately reflects the tone of the brand in question. The combination of their collective ability makes for a powerfully efficient show.
Bringing It All Together
- The fashion event is an exercise in construction, bringing together a range of experts whose job it is to bring a vision into fruition.
- Knowing which aspects to prioritise in a fashion event is key, from the running order to the models.
- The creative and logistical networks are majorly responsible for the success of a show, from the catwalk to the after party.
At its heart, all great fashion events succeed in unifying the realms of form and function. It is here that we can truly appreciate the many facets that must come together to make any fashion event something special.
2) Unfolding the Strategy: The Process of Planning a Fashion Show
Some of the most important components of planning a fashion show are coming up with a theme and vision, drawing inspiration from the world around you, and of course – finding the right talent. The following steps will help you to plan a show that’s truly special and stands out from the crowd.
- Start by setting the theme and vision. This will provide your team with a clear focus and the right structure to move ahead. Think of the big picture, from the overall message, to the aesthetic mood, to the kind of music that should be used.
- Generate ideas and concept for the fashion show. Inspiration is everywhere, so don’t be afraid to use your imagination and look elsewhere. Look at fashion trends, art, architecture, motion pictures and more for visual inspiration.
- Create a mood board of colors, patterns, shapes, textures and other elements that provide a visual look and feel of the fashion show.
- Find the right talent: No fashion show is complete without models, talent and professionals. Start thinking about how to find the cast of characters with the right attitude and energy.
- Create layouts of the fashion show. Draw up sketches of the runway layout, paying close attention to lighting, camera angles, and flow.
When done properly, the planning and execution of a fashion show are an amazing opportunity to create something exceptional. Put your planning into motion and take control of the process to make sure that the fashion show turns out to be a success.
3) The Support Process: Ensuring the Smooth Running of a Fashion Event
Preparation
The key to ensuring the success of a fashion event is to have a process in place and to make sure all team members are aware of their responsibilities. All staff, from executive to the models, need to understand the support process. A staff meeting is essential to review the event timeline, review the tasks required to deliver the event, and clarify any potential issues.
Communication
Good communication during the planning and running of a fashion event is essential. Any hold-ups or snags will send the whole event into chaos. It’s essential that everyone is kept up to date with the latest news and developments. Regular check-ins and team meetings to ensure everyone is informed and clear on their roles and responsibilities, can help ease any misunderstandings.
Monitor the Progress
Along with the team, the event coordinator should be monitoring progress throughout the day of the event, to make sure tasks are completed in a timely manner. Every aspect of the event should be monitored, from the clothing and makeup teams to the sound and lightning technicians. No detail should be overlooked, from the runway timings to the catering arrangements and media interaction.
The Human Touch
Events such as these are multifaceted, and it’s important to have someone with the knowledge and experience in the industry to be able to manage it all. Even with a seemingly perfect plan, there will always be issues that arise during the course of a fashion event. Having an experienced individual or team to help steer the project can make a huge difference to its success.
The Day of the Event
On the day of the event, the support process should continue. People might need direction on where to go, tasks to complete, or questions about the process. Having a team of individuals dedicated to helping coordinate the event, giving guidance and answering any queries that may arise can make the event run as smoothly as possible.
4) Crafting Lasting Memories: Final Touches to a Fashion Event
When it comes to fashion events, the beauty is truly in the details – and it’s the little touches that often make the difference between an average experience, and a unique one. With a little bit of creativity and planning, your guests will leave your event with memories to last a lifetime.
Keep It Private and Intimate: Make sure the space to be used is of the right size and layout for the type of event being held. Ideally, it should be small enough to be intimate, private, and full of the sort of magical moments that make for a truly memorable experience.
Décor and Themes: As part of creating a memorable experience, it’s important to make sure that the décor adds to the atmosphere you’re creating. Pick something that perfectly encapsulates the vision for the event, and that will be easily recognizable for those attending. Themes can help to create a cohesive look and feel.
Music and Entertainment: Music and entertainment are often the forgotten finishing touches to a fashion event, but they’re integral to setting a tone. Choose the right music and performances to match the tone of event, as well as catering to the taste of the guests. Music might usually just be a supporting act in the background, but it can still make a big impact.
Unexpected & Unique Details: Don’t forget to consider details that you might not have thought about at first – they can add a lot of personality and fun. Here’s what to consider:
- Custom cocktails unique to the event that tie in to the theme or season.
- Decorative touches that help guests feel at home.
- Unique activities that create participatory moments of connection.
- Surprise experiences for long-time guests.
These unique and memorable touches can be tailored to the vision and desired experience of the event, and will stand out to everyone that attends.
On the surface, these fashion events appear to just be full of stunning outfits and loud music, but in reality, there is a whole other level to them, full of organizational expertise, dedication and hard work – one that we see far less often during these events. The frenetic energy of a fashion show is an exciting reminder that behind-the-scenes, there is a great deal of magic at play.
