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You Better Work!!! Understanding What Makes a Fashion Show (Part IV): The Show!

Okay, you passed the audition, you've gone to the fitting and you learned the choreography. Now it's showtime! Both new and experienced models tend to get the butterflies when it comes to the actual day of the fashion show. While not all shows operate in exactly the same way, the order of events will usually fall somewhere along the lines of the following:

1) Prep: It's time to show up early and ready to go into hair and makeup. Depending on the number of models and stylists available, this process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more.

2) Rehearsal (could come before the prep in some cases): Remember, it isn't unusual for models to learn the choreography and layout of the stage/catwalk until the day of the show. Make sure you're paying attention so that you know where you are supposed to be and what marks you're supposed to hit. "Marks" refers to designated areas on the stage that you need to walk to--usually this will be identified by placing tape into an "X" shape.

3) Getting Dressed: Most shows will have a staff of people on-hand to help the models get into their outfits. These folks are known as "dressers" and will become your best friends during the show. For events that require a lot of quick changes, having extra hands available to unzip, tug and pull the clothing over your head or off of your body saves precious seconds and guarantees you'll be in your place in line on time.

4) The Show: This is the moment you've been waiting for. The music's playing, the audience is ready and the atmosphere backstage is a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Don't over-think things! Remember the basics you learned during rehearsal and go with the flow. Play to the crowd and soak up your time on the catwalk. Stand up straight, focus ahead and place one foot in front of the other. Male models, this is your time to show off your swag so make sure you exude sexiness and confidence by gracefully strutting your way down the catwalk. Work with the clothes you're wearing and own it.

The amazing thing about fashion shows is that as many hours as it takes to plan, put together and produce, the entire event is usually over in the blink of an eye. You'll find that the actual time spent on the catwalk will go by so fast that you'll wonder if it even happened at all. The good thing about this is that it doesn't really give you time to be nervous.

Many fashion shows end up having an after-party, which takes place at the end of the show and usually at the same venue where the event took place. This is a great reward for the models and everyone else involved in the production. It also gives models the opportunity to mingle with the audience and any friends or family members that attended.

Additionally, it could also serve as a networking opportunity--you never know who will be in the crowd so be on your best behavior and realize that even during the after-party, you are still representing the casting/production company in charge of the fashion show.

Maintain a balance of being a professional but also fun and approachable. Avoid bad behavior, such as getting sloppy drunk and acting rowdy. Again, you never know who is watching. When all is said and done, be sure to give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!
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