Skip to main content

Trunk Show Modeling

This may or may not be a term you guys are familiar with. Trunk show modeling, sometimes also called "trunk fashion shows" or simply "trunk shows", are an event that involves a fashion designer showcasing their latest creations to a select group of people.

Typically designers that produce one-of-a-kind pieces will host trunk shows as an affordable way to promote their line. The word "trunk" in this concept comes from the fact that the designer arrives with their clothing line in a special trunk, which they can easily set up and display for the group of consumers and/or buyers to view.

Oftentimes the select group of people at trunk shows are in charge of buying merchandise for department and boutique stores. Most of the time, the events are by invite only. There are a couple of reasons why designers use trunk shows as a method of exposure. Such reasons include but are not limited to the following:
  • It give clients a sneak peek at their newest fashions before they go on sale and become available to the public.
  • It offers clients/buyers the chance to pre-order or directly purchase certain clothing items at the trunk show.
  • It allows designers to get consumer feedback on their line and whether or not it would be successful.
  • It gives designers the chance to find out which pieces they should mass produce if the feedback from the trunk show is positive and vice-versa.
Not only are trunk shows great for the designers, they are beneficial for the buyers as well. Some boutique clothing stores and other related businesses usually do not have the same huge budgets as larger department stores to purchase entire lines from designers. By being present at trunk shows, these types of stores are able to network directly with the designer and have the opportunity to place orders for the items they want to carry at their store at a fairly affordable price. So this event works for both parties involved. However, these types of fashion events aren't just limited to small, local designers. Heavy hitters like Vera Wang, Nicole Miller and other well known brands also participate in trunk shows.

Sometimes trunk shows use models and sometimes they don't. For the ones that do, the models show up to the venue with the designer and simply wear the designated outfits and then model them for the group. Because trunk shows mainly take place in intimate settings, this means modeling in front of a much smaller group of individuals instead of a large crowd. Additionally, there is not a runway for the model to strut his/her stuff on. Instead they may simply walk out in the outfit and stand in front of the group, while the designer or sales rep explains what he/she is wearing. They may walk a bit or they may only be required to stand and turn around to show all views of the clothing.

In terms of pay, trunk shows don't normally pay big bucks because the designers participating in these events are often on tight budgets. However, it is not uncommon for models to do trunk shows in exchange for a free clothing item of their choice, a gift certificate or discounted price on an outfit they want to purchase. The actual pay a model could receive would more than likely be $100, more or less. Models working trunk shows for huge designers that are well known are likely to make more money. The time commitment for trunk show modeling could be a half day or a full day--it depends on where the venue for the show is and how many outfits the designer wants you to wear.

Doing trunk shows are great for exposure and networking so they're worth signing up for if you get asked to be in one. It adds to the resume of experience and if you work well with the designer, it could lead to future opportunities to model more of their designs in photoshoots, fashion shows, etc.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Modeling and Weight

One of the first things I hear potential models ask is what the weight requirement for modeling is. Sometimes that is the main issue they worry about when it comes to pursuing modeling. Let me tell you right now that weight should NOT be one of those concerns. Obviously, the height requirement reigns supreme when measuring up to the modeling standards sought out by agencies. If you meet the height requirements--whether it's for fashion and runway or commercial/print--that is the first step towards starting on the path to modeling. How much you weigh shouldn't be your biggest fear. It is rare that anyone can look at someone and say, "Oh, my gosh, he/she looks like they are 5 pounds over our weight requirement!" It just isn't realistic. If you look at many modeling agency websites, they clearly list the age and height requirements--rarely, if at all do they list any weight restrictions. The general rule of thumb when it comes to weight is that for models who ...
6 comments
Read more

Modeling & Pay Rates: How Much Should You Charge?

(This post is more targeted towards freelance models and not those with agency representation, although it may apply to those that have an agent but continue to find their own work.) A part of being a successful model is making money from the jobs that you book. However, being a freelance model comes with many challenges--figuring out what you should charge is one of them. I will say upfront that there are no established black and white rules when it comes to pay rates. Each modeling job is different, each client is different and budgets vary. Ultimately the factors that should influence what you charge should be the amount of experience you have, the strength of the images in your portfolio and the client's budget/needs. Not every client is going to pay what you want to charge. There may be times when you will be skipped over for charging too much or taken advantage of for charging too little. It's going to happen so be prepared for it and do not take it personally. It...
37 comments
Read more

What Are Male Models Supposed to Look Like?

The modeling world is filled with women. That's never been a secret and sadly, that often means male models fall by the wayside. There are successful male models in all categories across the industry but the fact that the modeling business revolves around women can make it challenging for newbies to figure out how to pursue their goals of male modeling. It is important to know that because there are different types of modeling categories out there, that means there are also different types of male models. They aren't all supposed to look alike and what ends up being in demand does change every year. Let's break down the common attributes that come with male modeling in various popular categories, shall we? THE MALE FASHION/RUNWAY/EDITORIAL MODEL These are the typical types of models most of us tend to think of when it comes to men in modeling. What is important to know and understand if you're an aspiring male model is that agencies have all different looks ...
4 comments
Read more