Introduction
Fashion shows are more than glamorous outfits and catwalk struts – they can be powerful cultural showcases. Around the world, festival fashion events and runway presentations are evolving into inclusive, respectful celebrations of style and heritage. Seasoned fashion event organisers understand that success lies not just in stunning clothes, but in how the show honours everyone involved – from designers and artisans to models and audience members. This guide offers practical wisdom on creating runway experiences that are accessible, dignified, and deeply connected to cultural lineage.
Designing Accessible Runways and Seating
Inclusion starts at the venue. A truly modern runway is one where everyone can participate and enjoy the show comfortably. This means choosing venues and stage setups that accommodate people of all abilities. Accessible seating should be a priority – ensure there are reserved areas with excellent sight lines for wheelchair users, elderly guests, and those with mobility aids. Install ramps or platform lifts for any raised runway stages so that models or guests with disabilities can navigate with ease. For example, when New York Fashion Week’s venues lacked elevators, advocates like Runway of Dreams stepped in to demonstrate how adding ramps and ground-level viewing areas can make high-profile shows welcoming to all. The producers of Melbourne Fashion Festival in Australia and Jakarta Fashion Week in Indonesia have likewise made accessibility part of their planning, proving that inclusive design is achievable in both historic venues and outdoor festival settings.
Communication is key. Advertise accessibility information clearly in all event materials and tickets. If your fashion showcase is part of a cultural festival, list the accommodations: Is there wheelchair access? Sign language interpretation for any announcements or hosts? Quiet spaces for those who might need a break from sensory overload? When selling tickets, use a platform that allows you to label accessible seating and gather special requests – for instance, Ticket Fairy’s ticketing system lets organisers designate wheelchair-accessible spots and note attendees’ needs. By planning ahead, you not only meet legal obligations (like ADA guidelines in the US or similar standards elsewhere) but also send a message that everyone is invited to celebrate fashion.
Backstage access should also be considered. If you have models with disabilities (such as models using wheelchairs, prosthetics, or who are visually impaired), design the backstage and runway entry/exit with them in mind. Simple adjustments – wider ramps, no loose cables on the floor, adequate lighting backstage – ensure all talent can perform at their best. In 2022, London Fashion Week featured adaptive fashion showcases with models of varying abilities; organisers learned that a smooth backstage layout and rehearsal for wheelchair users or deaf models (with an interpreter cueing them) made the show run seamlessly. The lesson: an accessible runway benefits everyone, creating a richer experience for your audience and demonstrating true cultural inclusivity.
Ensuring Backstage Dignity and Respect
Behind the scenes of a fashion show can be chaotic, but it should never compromise the dignity and well-being of the people making it happen. Top festival fashion producers treat the backstage area as a sanctuary of professionalism and respect. This starts with setting up proper changing areas and privacy. Private changing spaces (tents, screens, or separate rooms) allow models to switch outfits without feeling exposed to prying eyes or cameras. It’s an unfortunate truth that in the past some models had to change in overcrowded rooms or hallways, leading to discomfort or even inappropriate situations. Today’s best organisers have learned from those failures and ensure backstage protocols that protect everyone’s comfort. For instance, major fashion weeks in Paris and Milan now strictly limit photographer access backstage – only authorised personnel are allowed during changes, often accompanied by a female chaperone for women models – to prevent any harassment or invasion of privacy.
Schedule and working conditions play a huge role in backstage dignity. Keep the show on a reasonable timetable to avoid unnecessary stress. Plan meal breaks and provide refreshments – hungry, dehydrated models and crew cannot perform at their best. Simple amenities like water stations, healthy snacks, and a bit of downtime between rehearsal and showtime go a long way. Remember that many models start very young; leading fashion events in France, for example, follow a charter (established by brands like Kering and LVMH) that bans models under 16 from being in shows for adults, and requires under-18 models to have chaperones and reasonable working hours. Even if you’re organizing a smaller cultural fashion showcase in, say, Mumbai or Nairobi, adopt similar guidelines: no overnight rehearsals, no last-minute 4 a.m. fittings, and ensure transportation is arranged if events run late. Respecting time and health is part of respecting dignity.
Provide a safe and inclusive environment backstage. This means zero tolerance for discriminatory or demeaning behaviour. Make it clear that models of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and sizes are valued – and back that up by hiring a diverse lineup and treating them equally. If you have models from different cultural or religious backgrounds, accommodate their needs (a private space for religious observance or a request for modesty in dressing, for example). In multicultural fashion festivals, such as Toronto’s International Indigenous Fashion Week or Jakarta Muslim Fashion Festival, organisers ensure backstage rules consider cultural sensitivities – whether it’s providing hijab-friendly dressing areas or scheduling around prayer times. Likewise, have skilled hair and makeup teams who are trained to work with a variety of hair textures and skin tones, so no model is left feeling like an afterthought. This level of respect not only boosts morale but ultimately leads to a better show, since everyone from the models to the wardrobe assistants can focus on doing their job brilliantly when they feel secure and respected.
Credit the Makers and Models Fully
When the lights hit the runway and applause roars, it’s usually the designer’s name that gets celebrated – but great fashion spectacles are collective efforts. One of the most meaningful shifts in modern fashion events is the push to credit everyone involved, especially the often-unsung heroes: the garment makers, artisans, and of course the models bringing the creations to life. A savvy festival fashion organiser will build moments into the event to highlight these contributors.
Start by acknowledging the creators behind the scenes. If your show features elaborate textiles or handcrafted pieces, take a cue from international designers who have begun shining a light on their artisans. For example, at Paris Haute Couture Week, Indian designer Rahul Mishra paid tribute to the karigar embroiderers who craft his gowns. In one show he even projected illustrations of his artisans at work onto the garments and invited a couple of master embroiderers to demonstrate their craft live on the sidelines of the runway. This kind of recognition not only gives credit where it’s due but fascinates the audience – they gain appreciation for the skill and time invested in each piece. Similarly, Italian house Valentino, under Pierpaolo Piccioli, famously brought his entire team of seamstresses (“petites mains”) on stage during the finale of a couture show, to a standing ovation. This gesture of bringing the makers into the spotlight can be adapted to smaller events too: consider ending your fashion festival show by inviting the head tailor or craft cooperative onstage alongside the designer, especially if you’re showcasing traditional weaving or embroidery from a local community.
Don’t forget the models – they are not just walking clothes hangers, but performers and collaborators in the art. Many fashion events now credit models by name in programs, on websites, and social media. Follow this practice: list the models in your show brochure or on a big screen at the end of the show. If a particular model had a role in styling input or if they represent a meaningful first (like the first local plus-size model to walk in your festival), acknowledge that in press releases. At cultural fashion showcases in South Africa and Brazil, organisers often mention that models come from diverse communities or are role models themselves, thereby connecting with the audience on a deeper level. By fully crediting models, you also signal to the industry that your event is a professional one where talent is respected. Simple actions like giving each model a shout-out on the event’s Instagram (with their photo in your show) can bolster their career and show that your festival values people over ego.
In printed materials or digital media, also credit the whole crew: stylists, makeup artists, set designers, and even the lighting and sound technicians. A page in the program or a slide in the closing credits can list these names. It’s a team effort to put on a runway – and festivals especially know the power of community effort. Giving credit builds goodwill and encourages all participants to bring their best work knowing they’ll be recognised for it.
Publish Garment Stories and Care Information
Every garment on the runway carries a story – and sharing those stories can turn a standard fashion show into an engaging cultural experience. Festival audiences, in particular, love to learn the meaning, inspiration, and craftsmanship behind what they’re seeing. Savvy organisers now publish garment backstories and even care information to educate and involve the audience.
Tell the tales behind the designs. Use your event program, website, or social media channels to give context to each collection or key outfit. Did a designer draw inspiration from a particular community tradition or historical period? Are the textiles hand-dyed using a centuries-old technique? For instance, at the Santa Fe Indian Market’s fashion showcase in New Mexico – a renowned Native American art festival – commentary accompanies the runway, explaining the origin of each garment’s design motifs, materials, and cultural significance. Audiences learned how a Diné (Navajo) designer’s gown incorporated her grandmother’s weaving patterns, or how a Cree artist’s beadwork on a jacket tells a story of their homeland. These insights transform a fashion show into a storytelling session, enriching the audience’s appreciation. Even in a contemporary urban fashion week setting, you can offer designer’s notes: many events distribute “look books” or pamphlets that include a brief narrative from each designer about their collection’s theme and creative process. If printing is a hurdle, go digital – publish a blog post or online gallery with descriptions for each look, so attendees (and those who couldn’t attend) can read the stories afterward.
Alongside stories, consider providing garment care information, especially if you are showcasing sustainable or high-value fashion. This is an emerging trend aligned with the slow fashion movement. When garments are made with artisanal care, natural dyes, or delicate fabrics, explaining how to care for them honours the craftsmanship and teaches buyers longevity. For example, a textile festival in Kyoto, Japan accompanying a kimono fashion show, provided care cards detailing how to fold and preserve silk kimono and the meaning of the family crest embroidered on them. Likewise, an eco-fashion showcase in London might note that a jacket is made from organic hemp and hand-loomed cotton, with advice to hand-wash or air-dry to maintain its quality. By publishing care tips (through signage at an exhibit, QR codes on the program linking to a care guide, or an announcement by the MC), you encourage respect for the clothing beyond the runway. This educates your audience that fashion isn’t disposable – it’s something to be cherished, maintained, and even passed down.
Sharing these stories and care instructions can also be a marketing win. It gives media and bloggers richer content to talk about when they cover your event (“X Festival showcased not just looks, but the heritage and care behind each look”). It also resonates with today’s audiences who value authenticity and sustainability. People are more likely to support a designer or festival when they feel connected to the purpose and see transparency about how things are made and looked after.
Keep Lighting Warm and Flattering
Nothing can ruin the magic of a beautiful outfit like harsh, unflattering lighting. On the flip side, the right lighting can make colours glow, textiles pop with texture, and models look their best. The aim is to create a warm, flattering light environment that complements both the garments and the people wearing them.
Work with a professional lighting designer to achieve this balance. Communicate the needs of your show: if it’s a cultural textile showcase, you might want softer, warmer tones (around 3000K colour temperature) to evoke an intimate, authentic atmosphere. Warm lighting (think golden hues) tends to flatter a wide range of skin tones, bringing out the richness in fabrics like brocades, silks, and wools. It creates a welcoming ambiance, which is especially fitting for festival settings or heritage-themed shows. For example, during a fashion segment at a daytime arts festival in Mexico City, organisers timed the show for late afternoon so that the natural sunlight – augmented by gentle amber spotlights – bathed the runway in a honeyed glow, perfect for highlighting the earthy tones of Oaxacan textiles on display. The result felt more like a community celebration than a clinical parade.
If your theme is ultramodern, you might incorporate cooler lighting or dramatic effects, but still be mindful of flattery and comfort. Avoid lighting that is too stark or high-contrast on models’ faces – nobody should look washed out or eerily shaded. Test how the lighting affects different skin colours and outfit shades during rehearsals; an inclusive show ensures that a dark velvet gown and a black model’s skin are just as visible and radiant under lights as a white outfit on a pale model. Many experienced producers use a mix of front-fill lights and angled spots to eliminate harsh shadows on the runway. Also consider the audience’s comfort: extremely flashing strobe lights or constantly shifting LEDs can cause discomfort or even health issues (like triggering epilepsy or migraines). Unless strobe effects are essential to your artistic vision, it’s safer to lean towards steady, warm illumination that keeps focus on the fashion itself.
Additionally, warm and flattering doesn’t mean dim. Ensure there’s sufficient light for photographers and live stream cameras to capture the details. Consult with photographers during run-throughs – they will tell you if the lighting is causing odd colour casts or glare. In some cultural pageants and fashion showcases in Southeast Asia, organisers have successfully replaced old-style harsh floodlights with newer LED systems that allow fine-tuning of colour warmth, reducing heat on the runway and creating a more flattering glow. The investment in good lighting is worth it: it enhances the audience experience, improves photo/video quality (critical for press coverage and social media buzz), and most importantly, makes the models and clothes appear as stunning in person as they did in the designer’s imagination.
Fashion as Heritage: Carrying Lineage in Design
Beyond the glamour and commerce, fashion is a form of cultural expression – it can carry the lineage of a people, a craft, or a family. The most memorable fashion events often highlight this deeper significance. As an organiser, you have the opportunity to design shows that don’t just display new clothes but also honour heritage and history.
One way is through the selection of participants and themes. Consider featuring designers or collections that explicitly celebrate a cultural legacy. This could mean inviting traditional textile artists to collaborate with modern designers. For instance, at an Indian textile arts festival, a runway show paired contemporary fashion designers with village weavers and printers from regions famous for their fabrics (Banarasi silk brocade, Rajasthani block prints, etc.). The resulting show not only debuted gorgeous fusion outfits but also shone a spotlight on crafts passed down through generations. Similarly, Indigenous Fashion Weeks in places like Canada and Australia have given platforms to First Nations designers who infuse their work with symbols, stories, and techniques learned from their ancestors – from M?ori designers in New Zealand incorporating traditional flax weaving patterns, to Cree and Ojibwe designers in Canada using ancestral beadwork in avant-garde garments. By curating such participants, you make the runway a bridge between past and future.
Incorporate storytelling rituals that emphasise lineage. In many cultures, clothing is tied to rites of passage and ancestral memory. Why not open your fashion show with a short explanation or a performance that contextualises the heritage? A great example comes from a Pacific Islands cultural fashion showcase in Fiji: before the models walked, elders from the community performed a blessing and explained the significance of the tapa cloth and natural dyes used in the garments. This kind of runway ritual gives deeper meaning to the spectacle – it reminds everyone that fashion can be a living history. In Spain’s annual Flamenco fashion festival (Pasarela Flamenca), designers often bring out veteran artisans or family members who taught them their craft, underscoring that these styles have roots stretching back decades or centuries. Even on modern runways, we’ve seen touches like a designer including a piece from their grandmother’s closet to start the show, or a video montage of traditional artisans at work playing in the backdrop. These choices imbue the event with soul and authenticity.
Respect for cultural lineage also means avoiding appropriation and encouraging appreciation. If your festival’s fashion showcase draws inspiration from a culture, involve members of that culture in the production. Credit them (as discussed) and let them share their voice. A cautionary tale is the backlash that can occur when fashion shows use sacred symbols or traditional dress without permission or context – festival organisers never want to offend the very communities that they aim to celebrate. Learning from missteps (like infamous instances where high-end brands drew ire for misusing Indigenous headdresses or spiritual motifs), many producers now consult cultural advisors for authenticity. The payoff is huge: when done right, a fashion show can become a source of pride for a community. It can even revive endangered crafts by creating new demand and interest. For example, after a cultural fashion showcase in Nairobi highlighted Maasai beadwork on modern garments, orders surged for the local bead artisans – this is fashion carrying lineage and generating economic support for traditional makers.
In essence, treat fashion not as fleeting entertainment, but as a cultural narrative. Whether it’s a small-town wearable art parade or a segment in a giant music festival, if you weave in heritage, your event gains depth. Attendees walk away not just with admiration for the beautiful outfits but with a sense of having witnessed a piece of history or a story continuing through design.
Key Takeaways
- Inclusive Design is Non-Negotiable: Always build your runway and seating with accessibility in mind. Ramps, reserved viewing for disabled guests, and clear accommodation info ensure everyone can enjoy the show.
- Backstage Respect: Create a backstage environment that is safe, organised, and respectful. Provide privacy for changing, reasonable schedules, nourishment, and enforce professionalism so that models and crew are treated with dignity.
- Recognise Every Contributor: Go beyond the designer label – credit the artisans, tailors, and models who make the show possible. Shout-outs in programs, social media, or onstage acknowledgments foster a sense of community and fairness.
- Tell the Garment’s Story: Engage your audience by sharing the inspiration and cultural significance behind the fashion. Publishing these stories (and even garment care tips for sustainable pieces) adds educational value and emotional connection to your event.
- Thoughtful Lighting: Use warm, flattering lighting to highlight the beauty of the garments and models. Good lighting design enhances colours and textures while making sure all participants look their best, without causing discomfort to viewers.
- Honour Heritage and Lineage: Especially in cultural festival contexts, use fashion as a way to celebrate heritage. Include traditional elements respectfully, involve communities, and acknowledge the lineage carried by the textiles and designs on display.
- Plan for Sustainability and Legacy: The best fashion showcases not only wow the audience in the moment but also leave a positive legacy – whether it’s preserving a craft, setting new inclusion standards, or simply unforgettable inspiration that attendees carry forward.
By implementing these practices, festival fashion producers can elevate their runways into rituals of celebration – where style, culture, inclusion, and respect all walk hand in hand. Fashion has always been about looking forward, but when it also embraces where we come from and who is alongside us, it becomes truly powerful.
27th September 2025