Archive for September 2011
Behind the Scenes at a Fashion Show
Ever wondered what lies behind the glitz and glamor of a fashion show? If you watch fashion shows on TV, no doubt the grandeur and style of the whole event would have impressed you. If you were lucky enough to watch the action live, the atmosphere can be overwhelming. If putting together a fashion show looks easy then, it is all thanks to a hardworking, 24-hour event management team that is usually the brains and hands behind such a glamorous do.
Before the concept for a fashion show can be decided upon, the designer has to decide on the kind of collection he wants and then create an initial portfolio. Designers get inspired by anything and most of them weave the designs and patterns in their clothes around a single theme; for example, symmetric patterns with earth colors for an autumn collection. Whether the collection featured is going to be Ready to Wear or Haute Couture also needs to be finalized. Once the collection is ready, the next decision to make is where to feature the collection and when. Cities such as Paris, Milan and London have been called the world’s fashion hotspots for many years. Most designers have their favorite places, depending where the bulk of their clientele comes from. Once the city is decided upon, setting up the stage and ramp for the event comes next. Location is of utmost importance- halls or stadiums which offer the latest in lighting and other facilities give creators the freedom to plan a great theme. For instance, chandeliers and other fancy lighting can help jazz up a room immensely.
The theme often sets the tone for the collection and for the evening as well. What’s a fashion show without music? The genre of music played can help bring out the best in the collection and set the tone for the evening. Those who can afford it even hire live singers or DJ’s. Needless to say, the music changes with the mood of the collection and also for the intended clientele. Deciding on the models is next. Of late, a lot of designers venture to create fashion for ‘real women’, and so models who aren’t exactly a size zero are quite common. Make up artists and hair stylists work tirelessly to create a new look or hairdo to match the clothes and style quotient. The guest list is important too. After all, no designer wants to miss out on inviting his best clients to his show. That’s where the paparazzi and the media come in too. After all, more the media coverage, the better the exposure the designer and his collection gets. The front row is where you are most likely to see fashion editors and other style experts, jot down notes, shake their heads or just observe. Fashion shows of veteran designers like Valentino or Versace however, are bound to get a full house no matter how small or big the collection really is. Cocktails, a lavish buffet, live TV appearances and interviews are the preferred norm to end such a star studded event.
2011 Fashion Trade Shows and Updated Trade Show Booths
Exhibitors are always trying to find new and exciting ways to update their trade show booths, and the 2011 Las Vegas trade show season is no exception. But instead of resorting to tired gimmicks like booth girls or cheesy giveaways, fashion forward exhibitors are retiring outdated ideas in favor of fashionable exhibit rentals.
If you’re an exhibitor who has yet to try using an exhibit rental, the following tips will be helpful in determining whether or not to take the plunge.
Attack of the Exhibit Display Clones
Exhibit rentals that are carbon copies of each other are embarrassing and a surefire way to lose potential customers. All too often, inexperienced exhibitors will hire equally inexperienced designers and end up paying too much money for a boring excuse for an exhibit display. Ask for a portfolio.
Rented Portable Booths Don’t Mean Ugly Booths
A lot of this is due to the misconception that rented portable booths cannot be customized. When working with a good designer, nothing can be further from the truth. For talented designers, trade show booths are like skeletons or frames that can be added to fit the needs of numerous clients.
From mural graphics and tension fabric, to storage and lighting, the best exhibit display providers will be the one that offers a variety of options that can be adjusted to represent the design mission of any fashion house.
Don’t Worry About Commitment to Your Display Booth
The best part about display booth rentals is that using them means no longer having to commit to a single design that will be outdated by next season. This of course saves money, but it also helps exhibitors stay on trend without having to waste time developing countless new exhibit displays.
Tips on Becoming a Fashion Designer
The field of fashion design is popular now with shows like Project Runway. These types of shows give a realistic view of what’s expected from a fashion designer. If you are determined to make a career in this business, read on.
If you really want to become a fashion designer you must be able to take rejection. As a fashion designer you will receive more “No’s” then you will hear the word “Yes.” This cannot stop you. The field of fashion design is very competitive and requires hard work on your part. There are plenty of talented designers out there just like you, but you must know what makes you stand out from the rest.
To become a fashion designer you must first know you have talent. Be honest with yourself. Ask yourself do you really know your craft? If you need to improve your sketching ability or sewing and designing skills then get the help you need. Enroll in a fashion design college or program to improve in your weak areas.
Do your homework and know everything there is to know about how to become a fashion designer and the fashion industry generally. To give yourself a chance of success you must be knowledgeable on all aspects of the fashion world if you want to stand out. Anybody can be taught how to sew a dress but a Versace knows how to create. Read every magazine that has to do with fashion. Keep up with all the fashion trends coming out of New York and Europe since they are the leaders.
Don’t be afraid to be different in the world of fashion as this marks a great designer. Know the field you are best in. If it is womens wear that you know best then focus your attention in this area. Put your concentration in the area that you feel most comfortable but don’t close your eyes to other areas of fashion that may be appealing. Keep your options open when it comes to being creative. Be open to finding creative ideas in other mediums. This will help you stand out as a fashion designer.