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Part 6 / Fashion Promotion
If possible, garments should be unbuttoned and
unzipped ready to go. Scarves might be pretied.
The backstage area can often be described
as organized chaos! Only those with a job to do
should be there. Talking should be eliminated
or kept to whispers. Dressers help the models
change and care for the clothes, 23-34. After
quickly getting out of one outfi t and into another,
models must regain their composure before
returning to the runway. After doing a last-minute
check of the model’s outfi t and hair, starters
cue the models onto the stage in the correct
order, at the right time, guided by the lineup and
commentary script. The audience can’t see the
starter, but the starter should be able to signal
the commentator about changes or delays.
Assistant starters or “runners” communicate with
people in the dressing area if it is a distance from
the stage.
The show should start on time. During
the show, models must stay poised and cover
up mistakes or unexpected events, such as
tripping, forgetting a prop, or having a shoe
strap slip off. A button might pull off as a model
is dressing, causing that item to be eliminated
from the show or modeled later, after the
button is sewn back on. When mistakes occur,
models should continue in a professional
manner, without drawing attention to the
situation. The fi nale of the show is a parade
of all the models, with applause all around.
See 23-35.
If planning has been thorough, the
fashion show will be a smashing success.
Everyone in the audience should leave
excited and inspired about the new fashions
they have seen and heard about and know
where to buy them.
Mac Millan by Jane McMillan / Mario Nico, hair / Make Up Forever
23-34 Since models must do fast changes
of several outfi ts, help is needed backstage
with their dressing and clothing care.
Pink Elf; San Francisco Fashion Week; ©Arun Nevader/WireImage
23-35 All models return to the stage at the
end of the fashion show for a fi nal parade
and applause.