Sussex Students Union’s Fairtrade Fashion Show
Organising a Fairtrade or ethical clothing fashion show is a lot of work, but the rewards are certainly worth it. A fashion show is a great way to:
- demonstrate the huge diversity of ethical, organic, fashionable alternatives to clothing from the high street
- raise the profile of your group and campaigns
- raise funds for organisations like People & Planet who are tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice
- bring a large number and diverse range of people together for a fun event
- unleash the creative potential of your group!
Organising your fashion show
More help and advice
Our online Groups Guide has loads of tips on planning events and organising successful fundraisers
Check out the Environmental Justice Foundation’s hints and tips on organising fashion shows
For more support and advice, contact the fundraising team, who will be happy to help problem-solve, promote and provide moral support!
1. When
Consider what kind of event you want your fashion show to be.
A day-time event could be easy to fit in to people’s busy lecture or lesson timetables. They could be put a couple of times during the week to create maximum exposure.
An evening event will probably attract a wider range of people (as those with daytime jobs will be able to attend) and can go on longer (allowing you to include other entertainment, presentations, speakers etc. throughout the night). However, they might take a little more organising and you should consider offering refreshments!
2. Where
You need to book a venue that has
a space for you to set up a catwalk (stage blocks are ideal for a raised platform, but masking tape will do if you can’t get hold of any - use some paint, glitter, crepe paper etc to jazz it up!)
a backstage area with separate dressing for women and men and space to store the clothes
3. Allocating areas of responsibility
Sussex Students Union’s Fairtrade Fashion Show
Spreading out the workload and dividing responsibilities amongst the group will ensure you get more done and that everyone feels they are making a valued contribution to your exciting event. If you are a small group, some of the following areas of responsibility may be combined:
Producer: someone with an overall knowledge of all areas of the event (booking venues, catering, finding the clothes, recruiting models, promotions, entertainment, ticket sales etc). This person acts a central coordinator, checking up that everyone is happy with the jobs and action points they need to be doing, and ensuring everything is running on schedule. If any of the event team have a question - the producer is the first point of call. The role needs someone with a head for logistics and complicated planning.
Backstage coordinator: anyone who can cope under pressure and enjoys the buzz (and chaos) of live events will enjoy this role. The backstage coordinator makes sure everything flows smoothly - that people (and clothes) are all in the right place at the right time on the day/night. They might also need to calm a few nerves, so good team-work people skills are essential!
Entertainment coordintor: this person books and looks after other entertainment at the show such as campaign speakers, flim screenings or bands (including making sure all the right equipment is set up).
Stylist: a very creative role, that may need a team of its own! Stylists need to acquire and assemble the amazing outfits you are going to wow your audience with. They need to cast and fit the models and provide direction on hair, make up etc.
Promotor: coordinates the event publicity. The promotor needs to make and distribute leaflets, posters, emails, newspaper articles and any other materials that will make sure as many people come to your event as possible.
4. The clothes
This photo was press released to Scotland’s biggest ‘What’s On Guide’
There are loads of fairtrade, organic and ethical clothing companies around nowadays. Many will offer you clothing on sale or return. You can also ask local stores in your area - it’s worth talking to people face to face, but bring along a letter to explain who you are and the aims and nature of your event.
Some of the companies you might want to try are: Epona, Tonic T-shirts, Gossypium, Bourgeois Boheme, Pier 32 and Continental Clothing. People & Planet can also provide you with our very own stylish, ethically-traded and sweatshop free T-shirts! Email us for a sale and return order form.
Further reading
Gain inspiration from fashion shows organised by Newcastle, Portsmouth and Sussex P&P groups.
Read up on our campaign to Redress Fashion
Download the Environmental Justice Foundation’s fashion show hints and tips
For more advice on planning a fahsion show fundraiser for P&P, contact the fundraising team