Preparing Your Brand for Fashion Week: A Pre-Show Checklist

This article is intended for fashion designers preparing to present their collection at Fashion Week. If you’re looking for tickets or general public information, please visit our main event pages here: https://thebureaufashionweek.com.

Overview

Preparing for Fashion Week involves coordinated planning, organization, and precise execution. This checklist outlines everything designers must complete before show day across New York, Paris, Los Angeles Fashion Week, Miami Swim Week, and Dallas, TX.

If you're preparing to submit your designer application, begin here:
👉 https://thebureaufashionweek.com/fashion-designer-inquiry/

1. 30 Days Before Your Show

Finalize Your Collection

• Confirm all looks you plan to present
• Ensure garments are runway-ready
• Finalize fabric treatments, finishing, and closures

Confirm Your Lineup

• Assign draft looks to models (subject to final fittings)
• Determine your opening, middle, and finale looks
• Identify any special effect or statement pieces

Develop Your Creative Direction

• Solidify collection theme and color story
• Prepare show notes (optional)
• Decide on minimal, dramatic, or editorial styling

Prepare Your Digital Brand Assets

• Lookbook or portfolio PDF
• High-quality product images
• Brand bio and designer headshot
• Updated website and Instagram

For portfolio requirements, see:
Designer Requirements: Portfolio, Collection & Eligibility Criteria

2. 14 Days Before Your Show

Submit Production Materials

Your Designer Liaison may request:

• Final lineup
• Music selections (if you’re providing custom tracks)
• Styling notes
• Hair & makeup references
• Special requests (if any)

Prepare Accessories

• Shoes
• Jewelry
• Hair accessories
• Bags, gloves, hats
• Backup items for fast changes

Finalize Press/Influencer Outreach

Optional but recommended:

• Identify key influencers
• Prepare media-ready assets
• Update your website for post-show traffic

For media access details, see:
Press & Media Access: How to Apply for Credentials (Article 16 once built)

3. 7 Days Before Your Show

Organize Your Collection

• Tag or label garments by look number
• Confirm accessory pairings
• Steam or pre-press all pieces
• Pack everything in runway-ready order

Prepare Your Backstage Kit

Include:

• Safety pins
• Double-sided tape
• Sewing kit
• Lint roller
• Fabric glue
• Extra undergarments
• Clips, pins, and tailoring tools

Confirm Logistics

• Travel arrangements
• Call-time reminders
• Venue details
• Contact info for your Designer Liaison

For backstage operations, see:
Backstage Workflow: Rehearsals, Call Times & Designer Guidelines

4. 48 Hours Before Your Show

Review the Schedule

You will receive:

• Call time
• Rehearsal time
• Model fitting window
• Backstage arrival instructions

Run a Final Lineup Check

• Review all looks
• Confirm accessories
• Ensure nothing is missing

Prepare for Content Capture

• Bring someone to capture behind-the-scenes footage
• Prep your phone for vertical content creation
• Plan one or two key aesthetic moments

5. Day of Show Checklist

Arrival

• Arrive at call time printed in your Designer Packet
• Check in with backstage production
• Meet your Designer Liaison

Backstage Prep

• Lay out all garments in runway order
• Place accessories in trays by look
• Coordinate with HMUA directors
• Attend walk-through / rehearsal

Final Adjustments

• Make any last-minute adjustments
• Confirm music cues
• Check lighting notes (if applicable)
• Ensure all models are accounted for

During Runway

• Follow backstage instructions
• Stay near your lineup area
• Prepare for finale walk and media photos

After the Show

• Collect garments and accessories
• Coordinate any press or buyer follow-up
• Capture post-runway content

For model/beauty operations, see:
Models, Fittings & Hair/Makeup: How It Works

6. What Designers Must Bring to the Show

Essentials

• Full collection (complete + steamed)
• Accessories
• Designer backstage kit
• Lookbook or press cards
• Water/snacks (optional but helpful)

Optional

• Personal photographer
• Team assistant
• Brand signage
• Media handouts

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Arriving late
• Missing accessories
• Forgetting garment tags
• Changing collection last-minute
• Bringing unsteamed garments
• Ignoring backstage instructions
• Not testing music or cues in advance

Apply to Present Your Collection

If you're ready to take the next step and showcase your collection at one of our Fashion Week events, submit your application here:

👉 https://thebureaufashionweek.com/fashion-designer-inquiry/

Related Articles

• Designer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Designer Requirements: Portfolio, Collection & Eligibility Criteria
• Backstage Workflow: Rehearsals, Call Times & Designer Guidelines
• What’s Included When You Show Your Collection