All access Fashion Show

Usually you see the glitzy runway of a fashion show. But today, I’m giving you an all-access, behind-the-scenes view of the making and execution of a fashion show — the good, the bad and the ugly.

The Metropolitan Builder’s Association asked me to produce and direct multiple fashion shows this year after a successful show last year at the Home Expo. Shows may seem glamorous while you’re watching, but that’s because a ton of work went into them to give that image.

Producing a fashion show is like planning a large, complicated wedding. Lots and lots of time plus blood, sweat and tears. There could even be a fashionzilla or two. The only large detail that didn’t need to be contended with was the seating arrangement.

Much like a wedding, it’s difficult to determine the perfect arrangement, but for a fashion show, it’s much more political. Depending on the guests, you may be trying to figure out where Hollywood stars, prominent buyers and large fashion magazine editors are sitting.

There are many different entities that are a must to make a show successful. I used professional models from MTM (aka John Casablanca) and hair professionals from Hair Fiddlers. Fashion retailers Bieg Boutique, Mainstream Boutique, Wishparties, UR (men’s clothing), Crazy 8 (kid’s clothing) and Boston Store all supplied clothes, accessories and shoes. Photographer Lacy Landre took the all-important photos. Makeup artists and dressers were there to help models get ready between looks. Security was there to keep the wrong people from going backstage. And, of course, having an assistant who will make sure everything is running according to schedule and all details are checked off and working according to the plan is essential.

A bane to any producer and/or emcee is the write-ups of outfit/look description. For some reason, retailers abhor writing these, which doesn’t make sense since this is the advertising for their clothes. This means they need to be “reminded” multiple times. Once the producer finally gets the write-up, they need to be put together in the pre-determined model lineup. Then, ideally, the emcee should practice it so it sounds seamless when presented.

The day of the show, you need to make sure all of your entities arrive on time and in one piece. The hair and makeup people need to start crafting their works of art on the models. The clothing, accessories and shoes needs to be put in order of look per model. The models (men, women and kids) need to practice their walking patterns.

I always bring different kinds of fruit and bottled water for the models to relax and rejuvenate with. It helps keep the energy going.

Ten minutes to show time! The models get dressed and coiffed one last time, then get in line according to their order. Since I was also the emcee, I walked the models up to where they started and then took my place to get the show going. I’m usually nervous for a few minutes, but then the fun and folly of fashion kicks in and I relax and enjoy it. There were three sets of looks-casual, semi-professional/school and evening out for the audience to enjoy.

The music is booming, the models are strutting and everyone’s having a great time. A job well done. 1 down, 1 to go. There was a brief gap in the first show after the first set of looks (which is like dead air on radio or TV) but then it ran like clockwork. The second show had no issues and everyone was even more self-confident and strutted their stuff even better. I asked for feedback from the sponsors and they had nothing but positive comments.

Although fashion shows only last about 30-40 minutes, there are many, many hours that go into making them appear perfect. So next time you attend a show, give a few moments homage to all of the time and effort that went into what you’re about to enjoy.