Fashion Show Jury Reviews
If you’re someone who is going to foray into the world of fashion, you’ll definitely have your own fashion show somewhere down the line. While some fashion shows are just viewed and enjoyed by an audience, others are evaluated and judged by a panel of judges or jury. Their role is to make critical assessments on the overall presentation of the fashion show. The panel is usually headed by seasoned industry experts including editors, buyers, stylists and designers. They have immense knowledge and their verdict regarding a collection can make or break someone’s career.
Fashion shows are mainly held to assess the designer’s vision. In this blog, we will be discussing what fashion show judges typically look for.
Evaluation Criteria in a Fashion Show
Authenticity & Originality
The first thing that they look for is how fresh, unique and authentic the collection is. They watch closely to see if the collection offers a new perspective or interpretation of fashion. Industry experts know if you’re trying to mimic any other designer’s collection. Thus, it’s very important to be watchful and mindful when you’re designing your collection. If you reinterpret somebody’s work, there are chances of you getting caught. Therefore, be careful.
Design Concept & Theme
When you’re designing a collection for a fashion show, it’s important to follow a cohesive theme. Judges and jury are likely to look for a recognisable, cohesive voice or theme in your collection. They want to see if there is a clear and well-defined concept. Thus, try to include a signature aesthetic in your garments.
Technical Execution
Your garments may look great from a distance, but all your efforts will be in vain if the technical execution is not up to the mark. After a fashion show, certain judges like to look at your collection up-close. A few criteria they evaluate here are – garment construction, fabric and materials, and fit. They check if the garment has been stitched and tailored to perfection. Are the fabrics appropriate for the particular design and purpose? For example, if a designer claims that their collection is sustainable but they end up using synthetic fabrics, they can get pulled up for the same. Thus, it’s important that your garments communicate your vision and what you stand for. Pay close attention to colour, texture and quality. The garment should also be of the right fit and flatter the model’s body.
Presentation & Styling
In any fashion show, presentation matters. Lighting, music and set design create the overall mood for the show. The way the runway has been designed is also important. A few factors to keep in mind here are the confidence with which the models carry themselves, walking stance and attitude, and pacing and choreography. The overall presentation makes the show engaging. It also keeps the audience and jury hooked throughout.
In fashion shows, styling also plays a crucial role. The hair, makeup and accessories should align with the designer’s vision. These minute details can enhance the flow and progression of the presentation.
Wearability & Commercial Potential
In any fashion show, all that glitters is not gold. No matter how good a collection looks, it must hold market relevance. The pieces should be realistically made so that they can translate from runway to retail. Jury evaluates the collection to see if it lives up to current trends and offers longevity in terms of design. They even discuss if it has potential for commercial success. Even if one garment is selected by the judges it can become a standout piece and boost buyer interest. Industry experts usually have a fair idea of what’s in and what’s out.
Audience Engagement & Reaction
Lastly, the jury also looks at how the audience reacts and engages with your collection. They make notes of how the press, influencers and other people react. If the show aims at conveying a certain message, were they successful at doing that, and so on. The visual impact of the show also matters. Ultimately, the judges want to know if the fashion show sparked conversation, admiration or outrage.
Final Words
Fashion shows are more than just creative presentations of garments. They are platforms that help assess a designer’s vision. The best fashion shows are those that combine technical skill, creativity and presentation. When you pursue a BSc in Fashion and Apparel Design course from Vogue, you will get a fair understanding of what you should and shouldn’t include in a fashion show. The final year show will also help you get a better understanding of what industry experts look for. To enter the world of fashion designing, there’s no better institute than Vogue Institute of Art & Design.
