What's Missing from In-World Shows?

[RUNWAY Magazine]

What elements would you like designers and agencies implement in their fashion shows to make your experience more enjoyable?

[Terry Toland]

From my own experience, sometimes it seems like the announcers have not practiced what they are saying, or ran it through Word. While in daily conversation, this isn't a huge issue, at a show it can be aggravating.

Another recent issue I had as an audience member was that the time of the region did not fall well on the runway- the shadows were on the front and faces of the models, making it difficult to see the skins and outfits from the side that people view the most.

I would personally like to see some more "interactive" or "storytelling" shows, where it isn't just 'walk down the runway, pose, go back'. Involving the environment could really enhance the show, such as working with Dominus Skye's CASCADE water system. I have seen some real life shows where the models were acting as if they are being chased by monsters while they go down the runway, which made it fascinating to watch- they were acting a part as well as showing off a product.

Probably the most entertaining thing I have done is been "carried" off by my partner as we modeled matching assassin outfits during the Requiem for Fashion show. The audience was totally blown away. The only other time there was that kind of response, my partner was modeling a hospital stretcher and dead body (same show). In my opinion, it's these kind of nuances that make it a show memorable, not just the clothes.

[Cori Muir]

I have yet to even attend a fashion show in SL, I'm so wrapped up in photography. But I dare say I agree with Terry, I think certain dramatic elements certainly make it more enjoyabe.

[AWM Mars]

Have you looked at Nex-Core Model Management?
Around 90% of the shows are themed to a great degree. Including set building, greeters all in costume to meet the people attending, movies recording the whole show, posters bespoke to every show and again themed. Music both at the shows and in the movies to make the whole experience more immersive. The Speakers are all rehearsed and timing controlled between them and a backstage manager to maintain the flow.
If you think lag makes a huge difference to a show... Nex-Core use 3 unique systems that control model movement, so whilst all those in the crowd maybe cannot move around, the models all walk round in a timed sequence almost uneffected (I say almost, it is effected when the sim crashes lol). We even have unique animations to suit the show, look at the Ivalde Circus themed show, all the models are using a tightrope walk to match the set.
We also take great care to orientate the runway so that the default sim settings give the best lighting effects.
See for yourself HERE :¬)

[Terry Toland]

My schedule has made it difficult for me to go to many shows, though I am trying to make an effort to watch what has been provided here on SL Go-See. The Grand Ball show is truly exceptional, and so I have to point out something: of the great number of fashion shows done, how many are put on by Nex-Core? Even if Nex-Core does do many, I think it would be a fair guess to say that there are many more done by other agencies that do not go into such detail or focuses, and thus the generality that these aspects are missing is not wholly untrue.

So, perhaps with this issue being raised, more designers and agencies will take note and perhaps follow example.

[AWM Mars]

Well actually Nex-Core hold on average between 2-4 shows a month, sometimes more, every month. Although we do have our own runway setup, we also build sets on clients location (such as The Grand Ball, Dolls in the Attic etc).
Our goals are to create a fully themed set in any location, including bespoked posters, greeters in costume, DJ to play approporate music, the MC script, even the movie. In some cases, we enlarge the movie theme to include other scenes to form a story beyond the show, like Alice in Wonderland . Fashion isn't just fashion in our business plan, we want the viewers at the show and the movie, to become immersed and make the whole thing memorable. Fashion is a form of roleplay.
We believe we have 'set the stage' for other agencies, making them think beyond the years of 'samey' shows, the only difference being the clothes worn.

[Terry Toland]

I've waited a few days to reply because of a.) crazy real life happenings and b.) I want to respond in a positive manner. Essentially, SL Go-See is designed as a social network to advertise our advantages, whether it is as a single model or as an agency. AWM has replied in a fashion that illuminates this, and I can truthfully say I am more interested in their wok. However, the question presented is looking at the modeling industry as a whole, and to only supply answers about ourselves does not paint the whole picture. So, as a general whole, what could be being done more? What does the entire industry need to beef up on? What things that we are doing could other models, agencies or other organizations might try?

[Azia Lunasea]

With some shows, like the aforementioned Alice in Wonderland event, the theme compliments the designs. However, after some of the more elaborate shows I've seen, I have wondered if the clothing were not an afterthought; simply a prop to support the roleplay of the models and set designers. So to Terry's questions, I would like to add: Do we risk, through presenting elaborately staged and scripted shows, losing the point that a creator is paying us to show their clothing designs?

[Terry Toland]

Ooo, that is a wonderfully thought-provoking question, Azia! In reflection, the animations in the Dolls in the Attic show come dangerously close to be distracting from the clothes- while the movements were theme appropriate, they could be jarring to watch (at least from the video). There was also at least one pose that hunched the model over, which obscured the outfit.In contrast, At The Drive In Diner had a good deal of movement, with dancers behind the counter-runway and the child models skipping, but it complimented the clothing a lot more.

Something else I've noticed, at least at these themed shows, is that that there's a chance the audience has no where to sit. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, just something I haven't seen a lot of.

[Trina Noland]

This is a great discussion! In fact, it has sparked my interest to the point of issuing a challenge. Therefore, I sent a friendly challenge to the agencies listed on this site. The challenge went something like this:

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It seems there is a discussion going on in the forums regarding what is "missing" from SL fashion shows. This got me to thinking: Why not a little friendly competition. The challenge will be to be the creator of the most creative, innovative show. The rules? Well, there are no rules :) However, there will be a few things you'll want to keep in mind.

I'll be sending that information out later! Only SL Go-See members will be allowed to vote/judge the participating shows. The shows will need to be held between Jan. 1, 2009 and March 31, 2009. So, you have PLENTY of time to get those creative juices going.

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Thus far, Miramar Studio & Modeling Agency and Metro Models have jumped on this challenge. I am certain others will follow (the pigeons are still delivering my mail to some of them). If you know of an agency that you'd like to participate, have them join the site. Only SL Go-See members will be eligible to participate.

Stay tuned for more information on participants and how this will all flow!

In the meantime, keep this convo going...it's great

Trina

[Terry Toland]

Well, I hope one commonly known rule would be no sabotaging others' shows! XD I'm very interested to see what will come from this, and I hope people post their events. :)

[Metro Models]

"Well, I hope one commonly known rule would be no sabotaging others' shows! "

I promise to not show up at others' shows dressed as a Cthulu av, eating runway models and spamming with a "NOM NOM NOM" gesture.

For one thing, there's not enough meat on most of 'em.