Fashion Shows and Exhibitions – SS2 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (Third Term)

A fashion show is a live event where a designer shows a new collection of clothes to an audience. It is used to sell clothes and build a brand’s name. Shows can be runway shows, mannequin exhibitions or trunk shows. The team, the models, the order of outfits, the lighting and the follow-up all help the show succeed.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• describe the three types of fashion presentation;
• name the key people in a fashion show team and state what each one does;
• list the qualities of a good model;
• arrange outfits in the correct order for a runway show;
• state what happens in the exhibition area and how a designer markets a show afterwards.

What is a fashion show?

A fashion show is a live event where a designer shows a new collection of clothes to an audience. It is a business tool used to sell clothes and build a brand’s name.

Types of presentation

1. Runway/catwalk show: Models walk down a long stage (the ramp) while music plays. It is fast and exciting.
2. Fashion exhibition (statue/mannequin): The clothes are displayed on mannequins in a hall. People walk around them to see the details up close.
3. Trunk show: A small, private show in a shop for special customers to try on and buy the clothes immediately.

What is the purpose of a fashion show?

A fashion show shows how the fabric moves, how the colours look under lights, and how the outfit fits a real human body.

How is a fashion show organised?

A successful show needs a team. One person cannot do everything alone.

Key roles

• The designer (you): You create the vision and the clothes.
• The stage manager: The “boss” of the show. They make sure the music starts on time and the models are ready.
• The backstage crew: These helpers assist models to change clothes quickly. Sometimes a model has only 60 seconds to change.
• Make-up artists and hairstylists: They make sure the models’ faces and hair match the “vibe” of the clothes.
• The DJ/sound engineer: Music sets the mood. You would not play “wedding music” for a “sportswear” show.

The models (the “living mannequins”)

Models are the people who wear the clothes. A model’s job is to show off the garment, so the audience should look at the clothes first.

What makes a good model?

1. The “walk”: A steady, confident pace. Models should not bounce or sway too much unless the style requires it.
2. Posture: Standing tall, with shoulders back and chin up. This makes the clothes hang perfectly.
3. The “pivot”: Knowing how to turn at the end of the runway so the audience can see the back of the dress.
4. Professionalism: Being on time and being patient. Modelling involves a lot of waiting.

Diversity

Modern fashion shows use models of all sizes, heights and skin tones to show that the clothes look good on everyone.

How is a collection presented?

How you present the clothes tells a story. This is called the “runway flow”.

The order of outfits

• The “opener”: Your first outfit must be very strong to grab the audience’s attention.
• The “mid-section”: Group the clothes by colour or style (for example, all the office wear first, then the evening wear).
• The “showstopper”: The final outfit is usually the most grand, such as a wedding gown or a very heavily beaded traditional set.

Lighting and music

• Bright lights: They show the true colours of the fabric.
• Spotlights: They highlight special details like lace or embroidery.
• Rhythm: The models should walk to the beat of the music.

What happens after the fashion show?

The work does not end when the music stops.

The exhibition phase

After the runway show, it is common to have an exhibition area. This is a quiet room where:

• customers can touch the fabric;
• you can explain the “story” behind the design;
• you take “bespoke” orders (measuring customers for their own versions of the clothes).

Feedback and marketing

• Photography: Make sure you have high-quality photos and videos. Post them on social media (Instagram, TikTok) to reach people who were not at the show.
• Press/media: Invite fashion bloggers or local news to talk about your work.

Evaluation

1. Name the three types of fashion presentation and describe one of them.
2. State two duties of the stage manager.
3. List the four qualities of a good model given in the lesson.
4. What are the “opener” and the “showstopper” in a runway show?
5. Give two things that happen in the exhibition area after a show.

Assignment

Imagine you are organising a “Cultural Day” fashion show for your school. Write down three songs you would play and describe the “showstopper” outfit you would put at the very end.