Chapter 23 / Special Event Fashion Shows
479
recorded music. Music directors or technicians
attend all rehearsals that use music to coordinate
cues of the commentator and models.
The music mix is the combination of
different music selections to create specifi c
moods. Music for the show should include a
variety that matches merchandise categories
and commentary. Soft music can play as the
audience enters the room. For the show, it should
start strong, fl ow easily during the middle, and
end in a spectacular way!
Taped music is convenient, less expensive,
and can provide a variety of sound. Ideally, each
category presentation has music specifi cally
mixed for it. Exercise wear requires a fast
tempo, sportswear needs upbeat music; and
eveningwear requires more sophisticated music.
See 23-26. A music planning sheet is used
to list the many appropriate selections that
match the merchandise theme. Each song’s
title, recording artist, and length are included.
This is edited to the fi nal choices, combined to
run smoothly together so the audience is not
distracted by the changes.
Prerecorded selections can be copied
onto two separate tapes to play through two
systems. The tapes alternate for the merchandise
categories, so one can fade out and the other fade
in as the scenes change. Each recorded music
segment should be a bit longer than the planned
show category. This allows for fl exibility since it
can be played for a longer or shorter amount of
time, and faded out according to the needs of the
runway actions and/or backstage activities.
The Choreography
Choreography is used to plan the models’
walking or dancing and the interaction of
models on the stage and runway. Models
move rhythmically to the music. The show
choreographer plans entrances, cues, runway
routines, and exits before the models arrive for
the rehearsal. Choreography should refl ect the
theme of the show with a dramatic opening, good
pace through the middle, and memorable fi nale.
The opening strives to get the audience
involved with music, lights, and dancing. Then,
the continuing pace should be fast enough to
provide interest. The amount of time the models
spend on stage can speed-up or slow-down the
show. Amateur models sometimes walk too fast
or too slow, which should be addressed during
the rehearsal. Models should keep moving on the
runway and stop to pose on the stage until the
commentator has fi nished talking about the outfi t
being modeled.
Pivots and pauses are planned and
rehearsed for specifi c times and places on the
stage and runway. Pivots are turns that are
most often done at the halfway point and end
of the runway, 23-27. Several different planned
routes, as well as dancing routines, add variety
and interest. Also, models may be on the runway
alone, in pairs, or in groups. Groups might enter
together, pivot at the same or different times,
separate, pose as in 23-28, and come together to
exit. Before exiting, models are usually instructed
to stop, turn, pause, and pose. This gives the
audience one last look and time for the next
model to enter.
The fi nale should leave an exciting last
impression. All models return to the stage and
runway wearing their last and most spectacular
outfi ts. They may all be carrying a balloon,
fl owers, or other festive prop. For designer
Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Moda Management
23-26 If exercise apparel is modeled, the
most appropriate music would have a fast
beat—the type used for sports or exercise
routines.