Fashion shows are on the rise. While we may have showed up at the party a bit late, the Nigerian fashion industry  is steadily catching up as more and more designers and fashion influencers embrace the culture of fashion shows.
 
While some designers are of the opinion that fashion shows are no longer necessary, the shows have a number of advantages for brands because of the opportunities provided in terms of growth, networking, and sales.

As an alternative to traditional shows, there are greater ways through which fashion is meeting its audience. From fully digital shows to live feeds to ‘see now, buy now’ options, fast fashion is the new order of the day. Fashion blogger, Leandar Cohen of Medine speaking on this said,

“It’s ALWAYS fashion week on the internet if you want it to be.

Does this, however, mean that there is no longer a place for the fashion shows? Far from it.

What should you prepare to get from fashion shows you attend?

For starters, fashion shows provide an opportunity for networking. There are several professionals from different sectors in the fashion industry. From designers to manufacturers to retailers to fashion influencers, fashion shows provide you an opportunity to meet with the who-is-who’s of the fashion industry.

This provides you with a chance to get noticed by people who otherwise are unlikely to have heard about your brand.

Funding is one of the major challenges in building brands, however, with a solid pitch, a fashion show is a good opportunity to connect with the right investors that can provide funding for your fashion start-up.

Because of the media coverage typically associated with fashion shows, such an event can give your brand greater media visibility giving you an opportunity to increase your audience reach and brand awareness, especially if you are an active part of the show.

Again, fashion shows are a place to see industry creativity at its best.  This can be what you need to tap into the streams of creativity flow and be inspired to design your next collection. 

Finally, most shows now incorporate additional elements to keep it fun. From technology, to mentorship platforms to masterclasses where you learn from brands that are making waves in the industry,  fashion shows provide a massive chance to learn. 

Technology may be fast disrupting the scenery and bringing about laudable innovations to the fashion industry.

However, rather than jettison fashion shows, a merging of trends will yield better results for the industry in general and for growing fashion brands.Like 0