A Designer story - The good, the bad and the ugly of a fashion Show

Be prepared for the good, the bad and the ugly

Every designer’s dream is to show in New York, but at what cost? We recently participated in a fashion show in New York City. We were one of the seven (7) Latin designers to appear on the runway. Every designer had to provide all their information and bring 25 pieces for the show. 

It was a lengthy process since there were so many of us from different parts of the world. We were lucky enough to be from Miami and we had all the information requested which was submitted.

We all had a fee to meet before we were confirmed. Once confirmed an invitation and letter was sent out confirming our participation. One of the paragraphs in the letter mentioned the perks of participation; which were sponsored airfare, hotel, transportation and food.  

The event would provide models, a show location, hair and make-up, media, buyers, photographers, videographers and all the normal services that are part of a fashion show; pretty standard.  

Designer Viktor Franovik

 

None of the supposed perks happened for any of us!!

 
So now in the future, before committing to anything regardless of the black and white in front of you, you must do your homework.  Make sure the event is a reputable event, ask who is putting the event together, whether they have done similar events in the past and most importantly have these events been successful.

 
You as the designer will be interviewed, the event production staff will ask you for information to establish a track record; by the same token, as they are interviewing you, you can and must do the same and get a feel for what you are getting into.

Don’t be afraid to voice your concerns, questions and make it a point to get everything in writing for yourself and/or colleagues. At the end it really does not mean anything, letters and contracts can fail but at least it’s in writing.

Event producers can be quite a handful; sometimes they have no idea what they are doing.  As I mentioned previously, ask if they have put events together before. They can become irritating when they do not get their way.  That irritation can escalate into cancelling your participation and other participants.  

Be open to sudden and last minute changes, a four day event can become a one day event. It can go from big venues to very small venues like an art gallery.

Anything that can wrong will go wrong especially for someone who is not experienced; be ready for anything thrown at you.  Imagine the runway might not be delivered, clothes racks might be missing, hair and make-up stations may not be provided, among other items ....... should I continue?

Prior to any show, meet with the event producers to discuss any needs and inadequacies. Make sure that all that was promised have been met, this will assure a stress free atmosphere for you and everyone else involved. The goal is a great show, sales, recognition and a positive outcome.

 

By:

Viktor Franovik
Chief Executive Officer
Designer-Stylist
FRANOVIK DESIGNS
www.franovik.com

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