To design a fashion show catwalk, you need to bring out your creative best. Your ideas must reflect the vision of the designers so that the theme of the show blends into one perfect whole. There are plenty of ways in which you can combine different elements to create an ideal fashion show setup, and here are a few pointers to assist you. From the most appropriate genres of music to the wording of the custom neon signs, here are some of the things that you can keep in mind while designing a fashion show.
1. Use lighting to your advantage
The custom neon signs and decorations of a fashion show can really grab attention. Lighting in a fashion show can make or break the game. First and foremost, your lighting should not alter the colors of the garments the models are wearing, whether they are live or on video. Doing that defeats the purpose of the designers’ creations, and can compromise the whole show. Neutral lights that brighten the arena but do not reflect off of the clothes are the best option.
Of course, the lighting does not need to be bland, though. Once you have the color accuracy on point, you can start to get more creative.
 Colored gels and LED uplighting can add a fun or dramatic twist to the fashion show, but they must be used behind the models,- otherwise, you might change the whole color of the dresses in question.
2. Use different stage layouts
The traditional runway design is made with a purpose. The long runway with tiered seats on either side provides the best possible visibility in the arena. While you can always stick to the basics, you can also use the T shaped variant of the runway. The shape of the runway should largely depend on the designer. Some designers prefer the T shaped variant over the long one because it allows them to display more than one model at the same time.Â
3. Make intelligent decisions about your backdrops
If you have been designing fashion stages for a long time, you would know that the purpose of a backdrop in a fashion show is not to create a distraction, it is to prevent audiences from getting distracted from the proceedings of the show. The backdrop is meant to cover the backstage entirely and keep it away from the eyes of the audience members. Traditionally speaking, drapes and flat panels are used to create the backdrop, but you can also make something that relates to the theme of the show. For example, for a spring line collection walk, you can add a screen as the backdrop and show floral motifs or floral animations that reflect the theme of the show.Â
4. Choose the music carefully
The music that the models walk to on the runway is as essential as any other element. Choose a track that is upbeat but not too fast-paced. Too fast a beat can distract your audience and overwhelm them. Also, your models are trained to walk to the rhythm of the music, so choosing something too fast can cause them to speed walk to and from the ramp.Â
The main aim of a fashion show is not for designers to showcase what clothes you will be able to purchase in-store imminently. Instead, the catwalk allows the designer to display a particular aesthetic, mood, opinion, or perspective.Â
Because of this, fashion shows can be more conceptual and off the wall. Rather than being a functional piece of clothing, models are adorned in works of art.
With this in mind, make sure your setting compliments the designers’ pieces perfectly. You don’t want to overshadow or underwhelm, so get a clear indication from the get-go of what expectations there are.
Tick all the boxes, and you are sure to be on to a winner.
