Fashion Show Runway Tips for Beginners

Nicole A.
Create a Smooth Runway Surface: There are retail stores that sell or manufacture runway platforms that can be used for fashion shows. Pay attention to the type of materials being used if you are making a fashion show runway to save money or match a specific theme. The top of your fashion show runway surface should be smooth enough to walk on. A smooth runway surface prevents slip and fall accidents among models who are walking along this platform. It also helps to reduce the likelihood of clothing accessories and long garments getting caught on ridges or other portions of your fashion show runway surface.

Making a safe platform is not as simple as choosing smooth surfaces, especially when making custom runways for an event. All spaces and cracks in the runway floor should be covered using proper materials to fill them. These risky areas are usually created when multiple pieces of stage material is used to create a fashion show runway with lots of width or length. Cracks, spaces and any building material can be covered with rugs, floor panels or thin carpet surfaces to put the entire runway in unison. Floor coverings are fashion show runway tips that can be planned to match other decorations.

Make Sure the Runway has Proper Lighting:
Runway platforms are usually the center of attention at fashion shows, which makes light selection very important. Lights should be setup in a manner that compliments the clothing and accessories being showcased. Design the lighting to illuminate the fashion show runway more than the rest of the room. Refrain from using solid colors as a main lighting source. Spotlights that are red, yellow, green or blue may distract audience members from viewing certain fashion lines in their best form.

Setup Runway Mapping:
Schedule a dry rehearsal of your fashion show to determine where models will enter and leave the runway. This is especially important for fashion shows that take place in alternative venues or have special layouts. Draw a runway map that lists key directions for models and fashion show staff. Runway maps also help to keep a fashion show operating on schedule. This is one of the most important fashion show runway tips that reduces chaos backstage and in your main showcase.

Measure the Runway for adequate Height and Width:
Fashion coordinators are responsible for making sure that there is enough room on their runway for models. Measure all fashion show runway choices before making a final decision. Plan a mock fashion show to make sure your runway has the proper height and width needed for the event. Make choices on height based on it's relation to the audience seating arrangement at your fashion show. The runway should also be wide enough to accommodate the number of models scheduled work at this event. Runways should flatter the fashions and allow audience members to get a decent view of the whole ensemble.

Published by Nicole A. - Featured Contributor in Arts & Entertainment

She has written and produced several short movies. She currently works as a freelance editor while continuing to make independent films.  View profile

  • Create a Smooth Runway Surface to Prevent Hazards.
  • Make Sure the Runway has Proper Lighting.
  • Measure the Runway for adequate Height and Width.

3 Comments

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  • Jennifer Webb7/28/2009

    Great article!

    I'm actually trying to construct a runway for a fashion show... you mentioned that there are places that sell the materials. Can you tell me what places? I'm located in Florida, the Tampa Bay area. Perhaps there is an online store?

    Thank you so much!

  • Ms. Nicole A.7/18/2009

    Thanks. I try, as it is a huge effort!

  • Malina Debrie7/18/2009

    You have such interesting topics!

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