Types of Fashion Shows

Fashion show categories.

• Production Show
• Formal Runway Show
• Informal Show
• Video Production

The Production Show


The most elaborate and expensive fashion show is the production show. This type of event is the most dramatic or theatrical, and may also be called a dramatized or spectacular show. Fashion trends are emphasized using special entertainment, backdrops or scenery, lighting effects, live or specially produced music, and perhaps dancing or specialized choreography. The production show is generally at least one hour in length. As few as 15 models or as many as 50 models may be used to emphasized the trends depending upon the needs of the sponsoring group.

The Formal Runway Show


The formal runway show is a conventional presentation of fashion that is similar to a parade. In fact, this kind of fashion show may also be called a fashion parade. The length of the show is generally 30 minutes to one hour and features a series of models who walk or dance on a runway in a sequential manner. Models may walk down the runway alone, in pairs or in groups. The main characteristic is is the use of a runway coming out one after another. This type of show requires advance planning and organization for a professional appearance and involves all of the following fashion show elements:

• Theme (merchandise and scene development)
• Special Location (auditorium, hotel or restaurant, sales floor)
• Staging and lighting
• Models
• Music (live or sound system)
• Commentary (if appropriate)

Some form of hospitality such as dinner, lunch, or light refreshments, may also be expected.

The Informal Fashion Show

A casual presentation of garments and accessories on models is an informal fashion show. In this type of fashion show no theatrical elements such as music, lighting or runway are used. while there are no special staging requirements for informal fashion shows, props may be used to enhance the image of the garments being featured. selling is simply left to the model who walks through the store sales floor, manufacturers showroom, or restaurant. this type of fashion show requires very little preparation compared to the production and formal runway shows.

Video Productions

Throughout history the fashion industry has always had a fascination with the latest technology. The fashion industry has aggressively adopted video technology in presenting fashion at both the wholesale and retail levels. One of the first uses of video production was at the designer/manufacturer level.nearly every designer and manufacturer would videotape their shows. These tapes would be used to train the national sales force or given to retailers to show the stores where customers could stop and view these presentations. The videotape would become a silent salesperson. The consumer was able to view how the designer/manufacturer envisioned the total look of the merchandise. Models are often selected based on their video appeal.

-Guide to producing a fashion show Judith C.Everett, Kristen K.Swanson