Lessons Learned from a Fashion Show

The Show

Sam Lee (Elmer Olsen Models)
rehearsing in the coldIn total, Charity Step estimated 850 tickets sold in advance of the show – the first major event at the new Next Step facility at the Docks. The weather was horrid, with Toronto under a heavy snowfall advisory and cold weather warning. The wind was biting and snowdrifts made for a very slow, uncomfortable commute.

The first few hours were spent waiting for models and designers to figure out who was present, and who likely wasn't going to arrive because of the weather. With many of the models coming from out of town on a day when the airport was canceling flights and secondary highways were being shut down, nothing was certain.


Backstage - a hallway was
converted into a change roomAfter a couple of uncomfortable hours spent in a frigid facility (the heat didn't seem to kick in until early evening), the rehearsals finally got underway around 5:30.

Hair and makeup followed around 7:15, with another long intermission before the models were actually called backstage to await the start of the show.

What Models need to Know about Fashion Shows

Get a contact number for the show's co-ordinator. This show happened to take place on a day when Toronto was under a heavy snowfall and cold weather alert. Several of the models, through no fault of their own, were late. No one was surprised people were late, but the designers were suffering minor heart attacks trying to figure out whether enough models were going to be available for their various sets. If you're going to be late, you need to call to let somebody know.


Marcus (Giovanni Models)
in 69 VintageThe designers had asked the models to show up at 3:00. The show itself didn't start until 10:30. That means a lot of waiting around. Although the show's organizers were nice enough to feed the models in the hours leading up to the show, some of the models were wise enough to bring their own fruit and other healthy eats. Keeping your energy up is SO important. Bringing a book or magazine to kill time isn't a bad idea either.

A couple hours before the show, you need to remove or unfasten anything that will leave marks. Socks leave marks on your legs - if your jeans are too tight, undo the button. Nobody wants to see the marks left by your clothing, when your displaying somebody else's.

Don't stress backstage if things aren't happening on time (unless it's your fault things aren't happening on time). Unless its fashion week and the shows are running back-to-back, most of the crowd doesn't really have a concept of when things are supposed to happen. With this show, I had the enviable position of being between the change room and the stage. I could see the fuss happening behind the curtain as things started to fall behind. The fact is though, the crowd had no idea when things were supposed to happen, and were too busy socializing to worry about when the next set would start.


Kasia (Elmer Olsen Models)
in Sister UnderwearNo matter how tired you are at the end of the show, take the time afterwards to make sure all your clothes are accounted for. I found a glove on the way into the dressing room, and saw one of the designers backstage looking for another. Although there were dressers to help with things backstage, they can't be responsible for articles the models carelessly drop.

If possible, say goodbye to the designers on the way out. They won't always be available right after the show, but if they are it's worth saying goodbye in case they have anything they want or need to tell you.

Finally, take time in the days following the show to send a note of thanks to the designers. At the very least send an e-mail, but a thank-you card is way more personal, and lasting. I've known several models that got repeat bookings by taking the time to express their appreciation. It's a small gesture that goes a long way.

THE FITTINGS