The ReDress Fashion Show!

Where do I begin? 

Interestingly enough, I am finding it harder to write a blog about the fashion show than actually putting it on. Since I don't have the actual photos yet how about I start by painting you a mental picture...

It is a Saturday evening, already dark by 5 o'clock, and snowing. After making several trips back and forth to my car I am finally able to stay in the warmth of the building and shake off the snow that had accumulated on my head (if i had been moving slowly enough to get any that is). The show is being held in the sanctuary of a church that was generously lent to me by the pastors. My wonderful, supportive friends were there to help and we began setting up. 

Moving the chairs, decorating the stage, putting out the food, making coffee, finding the right music (oh golly the right music, if I could roll my eyes in print I would. That took about 45 minutes!)

As it got closer to starting time the models began arriving.

Putting brochures on all the chairs, don't forget the waters, setting the lights, figuring out the microphone, does my make-up look ok?

All but one model is here now as well as a couple of guests.

Put the dresses in the right order, do you know which ones are yours? I need an extra pair of shoes!

It is just about time to start. We waited for the last couple of guests to arrive. The snow is coming down pretty thick so we wait a little longer.

The Show began:

"Good evening everyone! Thank you for braving the weather and coming out to see the First ReDress Fashion Show!" 

Then I spoke about ReDress. What it is for, why I started it and what I want it to become.

In turn, each model came and showed the gown she wore with poise and grace (they were, each of them, perfectly lovely). There were 13 dresses on display that night, 7 bridal and 6 formal. All of them were described and the special features shown. Each dress is one that has been listed on the web page, save one that is very new. A friend took pictures for me.

After the dresses were shown I asked the guests to help me. I asked for feedback about the show. I asked for support in spreading the word about ReDress. I asked that they speak with their church leaders that maybe I could present ReDress to their congregation.

There were 7 adult guests who came to see this first show, all of them very supportive and helpful. It was an "invite only" event and I had originally planned on 50 or so guests but I am ok that there were not that many because even with the small crowd the purpose of the show was accomplished. I wanted to have a trial show; a practice run. I wanted to go through it to learn how to have a successful show. To learn what worked and what didn't, to have some experience under my belt so that the next time when everyone is invited and all of the chairs are full everything will be perfect. 

Here is what I learned:

1. I need to work on my public speaking... I need confidence and ease and a lot of practice. And I need to be able to say something appropriate during an unexpected pause. 
2. I need to make the runway longer so the models can really show the dresses from all sides and how the move.
3. I need to make sure there are no errors in the brochures I pass out.
4. The set up and design of  the space was great. The positioning of the seats and having the brochures and waters on all the chairs was good. The lighting was also good. The food set-up and the welcome table were great although I should have turned the welcome table sideways so it stuck out and was noticeable. All of the aesthetics were great.
5. My models were beautiful and showed the dresses very well. Their cues coming in were very well executed, however I need to have a practice for exit cues. Neither they nor I quite knew when it was time to exit the stage (although they did very well improvising!). Also, taking more time to pose is something I should try to work in.

This first show was very useful so I believe it was very successful. I believe the next show will be so much better because of the experience of this first one. A lot of work goes into putting on a runway show but now I know I can pull it off and I know how to make it better.

I could not have done any of this with out the help of my wonderful models: Lesley, Kimberly, Keila, Cynthia, Doris and Christine. I also could not have done it with out the help of my amazing mom Beth or my amazing friend Andrea. So thank you to all of you for everything and I am looking forward to doing this again with you in the summer!