Industry jargon not your thing? Our glossary will enlighten you!
Fashion shows are used by designers to present their latest creations and collections to an interested and fashion-loving public. For models, a fashion show is a good opportunity to show themselves, draw attention to themselves and get more jobs thanks to the increased publicity.
As clear as the definition may seem at first glance, in practice further clarification is required in order to know what type of fashion show we are actually talking about. There are three main variants: Haute couture fashion show, prêt-à-porter fashion show and plus-size fashion show:
Haute couture fashion show: Is basically reserved for women's fashion. Haute couture is French and means "upscale tailoring". The elaborate individual pieces are specially tailored to the models and are only designed for presentation on the runway. It is not about wearability or suitability for everyday wear, but about setting trends. An haute couture fashion show also serves to enhance the image of the fashion house organizing it and the designer responsible. The aim is to attract international attention.
Prêt-à-porter fashion show: Serves to showcase ready-to-wear clothing; in other words, fashion that will be available in normal stores at a later date. Prêt-à-porter is also French and means "ready to wear".
Plus-size fashion shows: the latest version of fashion shows. Until the 2010s, only creations up to size 36 were presented at a fashion show. A plus-size fashion show, on the other hand, focuses on women's fashion in sizes between 38 and 56. The first plus-size fashion show was the "Full Figured Fashion Week" in New York and was held in 2009. As the creations are too big for models with classic measurements, plus-size models take over the presentation.
In most cases, the planning of a fashion show is carried out by event professionals, so-called show architects. This is done in close coordination with the fashion house or designer. Ultimately, it is the designer's fashion that is to be perfectly staged.
As far as the organization of a fashion show is concerned, there are a few things to consider, especially in the run-up:
Audience: No fashion show without an audience - which is why invitations must be sent out in advance.
Clothes: After the model casting, minor adjustments are made to the mannequins' creations.
Performance order: Determination of an opening and a closing model as well as the order in between.
Location: The show architects take care of the venue, set up a catwalk, determine a seating plan and ensure that the dresses are delivered from the studio to the event location.
Procedure: The event professionals also create an overall concept for the show, which includes the music and lighting. There are also other points such as catering and stewards.
For models, appearing at a fashion show is usually associated with a great deal of stress. As glamorous as the event may seem from the outside, behind the scenes it's all happening. So that you can at least prepare yourself well for this, you can find the most important information about this important topic at Jobwork.
When people talk about a fashion capital, they usually mean the "Big Four", i.e. Paris, Milan, London and New York. These are also where the most famous fashion shows take place. There are also numerous regionally important events, for example in Vienna, Berlin, Stockholm, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro.