I love fashion! So it’s no surprise that a few of my characters watch a fashion show. It’s not a big scene, but it was fun to write. I draw fashion designs and I was able to use my more creative designs in the show. There’s nothing more fun than that. :) You don’t need to draw designs or even know much about fashion to write about a fashion show, though.
Perhaps your characters are rich and going to fashion shows is just part of their daily lives. Then you’re in luck! Here are four things to keep in mind if you want to write a fashion show scene in your book:
·
The Runway
Just because a runway is essentially a
raised platform doesn’t mean it can’t be elaborate. A red curtain can part for
each model. Strobe lights can dance on the sides. It can be indoors or
outdoors. I’ve even seen some on water!
TIP: Match the runway and fashion to the theme of your story.
So I may not be the best at drawing, but I still love it.
These boots are covered in silver spikes. Don't kick
anyone! :P
Design by Chrys Fey.
·
The Guests
Celebrities always go to fashion shows.
You may not be able to name a real celebrity, but you can cleverly hint at
one, or make up a celebrity for your story. In my book, my heroine sits next to
a woman with a distinct style. If someone were to read this part, they should
be able to tell who I’m talking about instantly. And I hope they do, because I
admire this person very much.
·
The Models
You can’t have a fashion show without
models to wear the fashions. Are the models as tall as light posts? Are they
curvaceous? Don’t forget to mention their hair and makeup! Let the theme of the
fashion show and the genre of your story dictate how they look. In my story,
the models aren’t human, so I gave them subtle makeup and simple hairstyles to
make the wacky outfits standout more.
·
The Fashion
And of course we’re onto the fashion! If
you design fashion this is the perfect opportunity for you to describe your
designs. If you don’t, go through a lot of fashion magazines like Vogue, Elle,
and Harper’s Bazaar. Let the clothing on these glossy pages inspire you.
For a full list of fashion magazines go HERE.
A picture of a woman holding a fan in front of her
inspired this dress.
Design by Chrys Fey.
Just as I mentioned in my post Writing About: A Wedding regarding the bride’s dress, you don’t have to give
great detail, but certain things like patterns, lengths, colors and even fabric
types can paint a nice picture.
For Example: The black silk dress, with
white columns along the sides, flowed down her body like water.
QUESTIONS: Do you like fashion? Do you draw fashion
designs? Do you pay attention to what your characters wear?
Watch out for those boots! This reminded me that I used to draw fashion designs all the time when I was younger. I would like to get back into it, but I think I'd need more space if I actually wanted to make something...and better sewing skills. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't been drawing as much designs lately as I used too, but I do have a list of ideas that I should try drawing some time. And I don't think I'd ever be any good at sewing my designs. Maybe I could get a fashion line one day and others can make them for me. ;)
Deletehaha I tend to just say clothes, unless the need arises for more fashion. My fashion knowledge and sense umm stinks lol
ReplyDeleteThat's okay, Pat. Even just giving a few details like the color of a t-shirt or adding the word "jeans" can paint a nice picture.
DeleteSafe to say I will probably not be writing a fashion scene.
ReplyDeleteHAHA! Shucks! ;)
DeleteWhoo, honey! Those boots! I actually commend you for your drawings because if it had been me, you'd have been seeing a stick figure with squiggly lines for hair! If a scene deserves it, I will talk about fashion. But I've never had a fashion show scene (at least not yet).
ReplyDeleteThank you, Quanie! I'm glad you like my drawings. :) I have gotten better with practice, but I still don't like to draw the heads/faces or arms. lol
DeleteMy characters Anastasiya and Dagnija are fashion designers, and in my second Russian historical, Anastasiya goes to Paris for her first fashion show of her designs (and proceeds to get pregnant in the only sexual encounter of her life, while uncharacteristically drunk). Though Anastasiya is the founder of their salon, her alternate designer and second in command Dagnjia grows to be more popular because her designs are a lot more modern and fashionable. Dagnija isn't afraid to design things like a red halter top wedding gown, while Anastasiya still dresses like it's 1900.
ReplyDeleteI love that! All of your stories and characters sound so fascinating! I've never designed a red halter top wedding gown, although I would love to see one, but one of my designs inspired by Little Red Riding Hood did make into the fashion show. :)
DeleteI like that dress but I would be afraid to wear those boots. ;)
ReplyDeleteI would be afraid to wear those boots, too. ;)
DeleteWhether your story includes a fashion scene or not, the characters have to wear clothes. I think that you should pay some attention to what characters wear. Clothes can help lend ambience/create atmosphere...
ReplyDeleteI voted!
Good luck.
Writer In Transit
I agree! I love to mention what my characters are wearing when it's necessary, even if it's just a t-shirt and jeans, but especially if it's for an event/party/date/holiday.
DeleteThank you for voting!!! :)
This looks like its going to be some event.
ReplyDeleteI hope so! ;)
DeleteWriting about fashion sounds like fun...and your drawings are super cute. I'm no follower of fashion-I like the casual style, but it does add a layer to a story.
ReplyDeleteI dress pretty casual, too, but I love to design dresses and elaborate fashion. :)
DeleteYou know, that's a world I will happily steer clear of. My mom was told my so many people when I was little that she should put me into modeling. Thankfully she didn't. Perhaps that's where this gets too personal and scary for me--that could have been my world. *gulp*
ReplyDeleteThe only models I wrote about was from a distance and only for the fashion show my characters were watching. I'm not sure if I would ever be able to write about that world either. And when I was growing up, a lot of people told me I should be a model, too. But I was an awkward child. haha
DeleteHi Chrys!! Well, as someone who is, shall we say, fashion-challenged, I will just say I hope you have a good Wednesday :-)
ReplyDeletehaha HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!! :D
DeleteI love reading about fashion, love fashion week and watching the red carpet during events and award shows to see what everyone is wearing. But fashion descriptions don't fit the type of of stories I write. Same with food. love to cook, love to eat, but food descriptions don't ever make it onto the page. It's a pacing/setting thing, I think.
ReplyDeleteI can't draw, but can I doodle pretty patterns. :)
VR Barkowski
I write a lot of thrillers but still manage to get in food and clothing descriptions when it's necessary. My fashion show scene is actually part of in a supernatural-thriller. :)
DeleteAh, I could see Cera now, fighting to be center stage of the fashion show, her shouting, "What do you mean I'm too short?!" She'd probably roast the competition...literally.
ReplyDeleteThat would be great! I could see her doing that, too. ;)
DeleteFor someone writing a cozy mystery this sounds like the perfect job for the amateur sleuth. What fun it would be. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Shout with Emaginette
That would be a lot of fun! :)
DeleteOoo, how fun! Now I want to find a reason to include a fashion show in my story... ;)
ReplyDeleteIt was a lot of fun to write. :)
DeleteOh, my! What fun tips and advice! Thanks Chrys!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! :D
DeleteIt's a glam topic all right. And I think a chance for some bad girl goings on.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, there can be a lot of bad girl going on, especially if you write about the models as major characters.
DeleteYes, I totally love fashion. I haven't written about a fashion show, though. This is an example of how real life experiences really contribute to our writing. I will add 'fashion show' to my list of things to do and see. Great post, Chrys!
ReplyDeleteI've never actually seen a fashion show in real life, only on TV, and it's on my list of things I'd like to do as well. :)
DeleteI love fashion...in my other life, I'd be a designer. None of the goofy stuff, though, or anorexic models. Real life people. That's why I like Ralph Lauren. Oh, the new giant Vogue just came out...savoring each page. Loved this post, Chrys, and your sketches!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could be a designer in this life! Oh, I love Vogue! I'm going to have get a copy. :)
Delete