Chapter 23 / Special Event Fashion Shows
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are obtained from hotels and other ballroom/
auditorium facilities, caterers, insurance brokers,
and major equipment rental fi rms. Several bids
from different organizations for each type of
service may be solicited to obtain the lowest
price and best contract.
There is no site rental cost if the fashion
show is held in the manufacturer’s showroom
or at the retail store. When space is rented, the
season, day of the week, and time of the day
affect the price. Holidays, weekends, and evening
times cost more than weekdays. Also, the cost of
rehearsal time or additional space for rehearsals
elsewhere must be considered. Refreshments
may be part of the site rental fee or a caterer
might be hired separately. Hotels and restaurants
may waive the rental charge for the room if a
minimum amount of food and beverages are
bought from them. An advance deposit is usually
required when the site is booked and when a
caterer is hired. Food might also be required for
the models and show staff during rehearsal and
setup times.
Fees for professional models are paid on
either an hourly or daily basis, including time
for fi ttings, rehearsals, and the show. Swimwear
and lingerie models often receive higher rates
than those who model conservative outfi ts.
Well-known models in major market centers
receive very high pay, such as $1,000/hour.
Models in smaller markets usually receive much
less. If amateur models are used for a retail or
community fashion show, they are often given a
gift, gift certifi cate, or discount on purchases.
Expenses for promotion include publicity
and advertising preparation and media costs.
Invitations, posters, tickets, and programs
must be printed. Costs of press photographs,
videotaping, and postage should not be
overlooked. Someone hired to make a video
or photo record of the show is paid. However,
newspaper or television photographers sent by
their employers are not paid by the fashion
show organizers.
The budget must also include wages for
people hired to build sets and do technical
work, such as controlling the lighting or sound
system, 23-9. If hair stylists, makeup artists,
security personnel, and other support staff are
hired, their pay must be anticipated. For charity
shows, volunteers often make the decorations,
provide transportation for merchandise and
props, and serve as hosts, ushers, models and
dressing helpers.
The budget must be realistic and fl exible
enough to be revised if circumstances change. It
is updated on a sheet such as the one shown in
23-10, as actual expenses are incurred. It is wise
to include an emergency reserve in the budget,
too. This is a “cushion” that covers unexpected
costs or overruns of expenses. All participants
should be aware that staying within budget and
controlling costs helps the show to be successful.
Receipts should be saved by committee people
and turned in for the fi nal accounting.
Coordinating
Merchandise and Models
Merchandise and models must be
coordinated with each other, as well as with the
fashion show theme and the type of audience.
This involves merchandise selection, model
selection, and the fi ttings and lineup.
In Cooperation with The Fashion Association
23-9 The pay for special craftspeople who
are hired to oversee technical aspects
of the show must be included in budget
calculations.