A fashion show requires elaborate preparations. There is some scripting. There are electricians and choreographers. Fashion models walk up and down listening to music on their iPods. New comers are nervous, and smoke away their anxiety. There are make up men and back-stage boys running around making the models ready for the opening sequence. The socialites occupy the front seats. The dazzle of spot lights sweep the ramp. There are beats that make the feet tap. The show is to commence. The whole familiar thing is reenacted. This is the quintessential fashion show. The clothes, models, designers, MCs and audience might change. But the glamour remains constant.
Fashion world is divided into many segments. The top segment is coutre which is exclusive and expensive. There is a fit between the garments and the occasion or the individual. This is a special bridal collection, or collection for an event. The second segment is designer wear. This segment is also expensive. But it is not exclusive. Bridge and young bridge are two more segments which consist of style conscious big names which are recognised but affordable. The last segment is called missy consisting of garments which which are adaptations of contemporary styles and lines.These are suitable for fashion crazy but price conscious people.
Though France is known for fashion, the Italians and Americans command larger share in the world market.
Fashion world is vicious but rewarding. The designer has to cross the obstacle of the inherent resistance to change. This is not in the form of mind block. It is more cultural and cosmetic. Fashion designers face an uphill task. They persevere, and change the way the world dresses. Designers are talented people. Training is arduous and expensive. They should have patience, and networking. The salesmanship qualities are a prized asset for them. Pure talent does not establish a designer. Many talented people do not make it in the fashion world. Some designers stray into fashion photography, fashion criticism, fashion journalism, custom designing and choreography.
The commitment, involvement and hard work are necessary for the successful designers.
A fashion requires lot of preparation and planning. There should be right models and venue. The lights, music, set design and sound system are managed. Then there is back stage planning — make up, hair dressing, accessory planning, voice over selecting etc. There are legal and PR issues. The clothes have to be designed and fabricated. There is a fitting session with the models. Each ensemble should be carried perfectly by the model. Fashion photographers are integral part of the process. Their photographs are used by fashion houses. The photograph must capture the mood of the clothes.
Fashion houses are part of huge conglomerate. They adopt a designer. The designer visualises and designs clothes according to his concept. The models wear the clothes. The choreographer provide the display setting on the ramp and the fashion photographer captures these. There are buyers in the audience. In the next fashion show, another designer thinks of a new design. The process is continuous.