How to Start a Fashion Show Business

Nicole A.
Learn How to Market Events
Working temporary jobs at event planning agencies will teach you what is required in various aspects of this business. There are very important tips that can be learned when planning regular events such as weddings, auctions, corporate parties and even grand openings for retail stores. More importantly, these jobs will teach you how to market events using the media, grassroots publicity and networking. Planning regular events will help you learn how to start a fashion show business that gets attention. This is an important factor since fashion show business owners need to attract the right audience to succeed.

Invite Fashion Designers to Each Show
Clothing and accessory designers will likely be your main source of revenue in the fashion show business. Invite fashion designers to participate in the show and market their products. You can charge designers a small fee for a spot in the show but this works well after establishing familiarity with public audiences, buyers and media. It will be difficult to have a fashion show without clothes or accessories so keep in mind that you and the designers are both working to help each other. Give free tickets to a few fashion designers who are not in your show. Doing so can help to peak their interest in participating in subsequent events.

Charge Public Admission
Reconsider free events when you plan to start a fashion show business. Keep free tickets or invitations reserved for special guests including designers, media and buyers. Open the event up to the public but charge admission to keep revenue coming into your fashion show business. Tickets for fashion show events range from $10 to $50 on the low end. They increase from there depending on the goals and special guests attending fashion show events. Charge high rate admission only if there is a celebrity host or expensive venue for your fashion show business.

Hold a Private Auction for Exclusive Clothing and Accessories
More revenue can be generated by hosting an at your fashion show events. Auctions should be planned separately even though they will take place on the same day. Secure exclusive designs that are not widely available in stores to demand the highest bidding prices. These designers should not be featured in the main fashion show if you want to heighten public anticipation for your auction. Private auctions can be used to boost income or raise funds for charity, which helps bring publicity to your fashion show business.

Offer Table Space to Third-Party Vendors
Operating expenses for a fashion show business can be offset by sharing venue space with vendors who want to sell merchandise at the event. Designate an area for ten or twenty third-party vendors who have products or services related to the fashion industry. Sell table space at a flat rate to vendors in this sector including hair salons, massage professionals, authors, retail stores and makeup professionals. Some fashion designers who could not participate in the main event may rent space to sell clothes and accessories. The rules for food vending will vary among locations that allow you to operate a fashion show business.

Incorporate a Fashion Market with the Show
A market where additional sales are made can occur during or after the main showcase. This is similar to renting space to vendors but takes up a larger percentage of your venue and program schedule. One way to start a fashion show business that stands out is by offering more than pretty clothes. Setup a place where fashion experts can come and give workshops to aspiring models, designers and industry professionals. Doing so will help to widen your fans and client base for a fashion show business.

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

  • Learn How to Market Regular Events before Moving into the Fashion Industry.
  • Charge Public Admission to keep Revenue coming into your Fashion Show Business.
  • Invite Fashion Designers to Each Show even if they are not Participating in the main event.

1 Comments

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  • JRS7/21/2009

    Love it, thanks!

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