Fashion Industry Finest Independent (FIFI) has done it again, we have come up with a way for designers to sell to the public.
As a fashion professional, I always believed in helping everyone build their brands, including my own. I’ve always looked for different ways to help designers/producers SELL to the PUBLIC without having to be in a department store, etc. I’ve come up with an idea, I hope will catch on and designers will take advantage of.
THE FIFI FW STORE – Fashion Avenue News, title sponsor of FIFI Fashion Week has rented a 5,000 square foot bi-level (with elevator), all white street level STORE FRONT, for our designers to sell and showcase. The public can shop your brand in a professional setting, a STORE. The location is E. 28th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues.
LIVE MANNEQUIN WINDOW SHOW – The location has 4 ceiling to floor ground level windows where models will display designer garments. This is fabulous, as people passing will see designer’s beautiful creations and come in to shop.
PUBLIC SHOPPING OF DESIGNER BRANDS – The lower level of the store will be the shopping area. When clients come in they will go downstairs to shop. There is a working elevator and a short set of steps, all convenient for the public.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES – The massive white walls and large space with high ceilings are ideal for a photographer to get some quick snaps of models and designers. Each designer will have ONE model dressed in their garment and walking around with cards.
THE RUNWAY SHOW – Once we have given the public a chance to shop the designer’s brands, the runway show, featuring only the BEST models in the industry, will begin at 5:30pm. We will clear out the public at 3:30, giving the designers and models privacy to get prepared for the show. At 4:30pm, the doors will open for PEOPLE WHO HAVE PURCHASED TICKETS. Seating will be reserved, so there is no need for rushing and we will have extremely limited standing room. We do not have any complimentary tickets, everyone that wants to attend MUST PURCHASE A TICKET.
DESIGNERS – We have space for 10 – 15 designers – Designers can email: FIFIFW@FashionAvenueNews.com – to apply. THERE IS A DESIGNER FEE. Please send a few photos or clickable links to your most recent collection. Once we have seen your info, we will send you a designer application. Designers can show 10 pieces ONLY. Each designer will be able to SELL THEIR GARMENTS before and after the show. Designers can bring more than 10 pieces because you are selling, but you can only show 10 pieces on the runway. Designers will be notified if they are approved. We are looking for designers that are ready to sell garments, this means, you have a price list, a way for the public to pay (square, credit card processing etc.,). We will not provide designers with these items. You must be ready to sell. If you are approved you will get more info on the show.
SHOW PARTICIPANTS RESPONSIBILITY – As most know, we have a strong Marketing/Promotional history and will promote the show, but it is also the responsibility of the creative talent that are participating in the show to also promote. We would like a nice public flow of people streaming in during the selling times, let people know you will be showcasing and they can purchase your garments.
VENDORS – We have limited vendor space and cannot take duplicate vendors. Vendors secure your spot now. More info will be given once you are approved. No food, cannabis, no alcohol beverages.
PRESS/MEDIA ACCREDITATION – If you are with a Press/Media outlet, you MUST REGISTER AND BE APPROVED. Registration does not equal Accreditation. Kindly input all of your info when registering as Press/Media, we need your current Social Media, Brand Page, Tear Sheets, YouTube videos, etc. Press/Media that have covered our show in the PAST YEAR, will automatically be approved, but still have to register. Press/Media doing interviews will be considered before none interviewing Press/Media. Backstage access to designers, models will be at the discretion of the Media Director. No non-accredited Press/Media will be let in at the door. Kindly apply in advance as we are limiting Press/Media.
HMUAs – We are looking for the Fashion Industry Finest Independent creative talent for this show. (HMUAs will have the opportunity to sell their services/products during the selling time)
MODEL AUDITIONS – Male & Female Model auditions (all sizes) will be held on Saturday June 29 from 1:00-3:30pm at 265 West 37th Street, 16th Floor. IN PERSON AUDITIONS ONLY. Models MUST HAVE a CompCard we can keep. Female Models MUST WEAR HEELS, NO BOOTS, PLATFORMS, FLAT SHOES. We will not see any female models that is not walking in heels. Male Models must walk in hardbottom shoes, no sneakers or rubber sole shoes. Models MUST BE 16 YEARS AND UP – If you are between the ages of 16-17, YOU MUST HAVE AN ADULT WITH YOU IN ORDER TO AUDITION. The show is Saturday July 13 so please make sure you are available that day. We are not taking anyone under 16 years old. We are not seeing kids. No exceptions.
THE WALK – This is a Couture Runway Show and we are looking for COUTURE WALKING MODELS. Please bring you’re A+ game to this audition. (all sizes welcome to audition)
THE SPACE – The elegant 5,000 square foot, all white space bi-level store front is located on East 28th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues, right next to the Park South Hyatt Boutique Hotel, with Parking and Restaurants DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET. The ground level front has 4 large ceiling to floor windows. The entire space is WHITE, beautiful with flowing white curtains. It has an elevator and a space for taking photos. The space can hold 250-300 people.
FIFI Fashion Week is looking to develop a Seller’s platform for independent designers. We want you to be able to sell your garments, whether you make them in your kitchen or with a manufacturer. We want to be that place for you. To do this, we need everyone’s participation and cooperation. Make sure to share flyers, post in groups, etc., so we can start building your selling platform.
We look forward to answering any questions you may have.
NOTE: Basic timeline (subject to change)
10:00 Designers, Display Models, & Vendors arrive
10:00 The FIFI Press/Media Team
10:45 All Designers & Models must be in place to sell
11:00 Doors Open to Public for Selling
3:00 Models in Hair & MakeUp
3:30 Doors Close everyone exits the store so we can set up for the runway show
4:15 Press & VIP Ticket Holder are let in
5:00 General Public are let in
5:30 Doors Close no one else is let in
5:30 The Show Starts
6:30 After the Show Selling resumes
7:30 Cleanup begins
8:00 Everyone exits the Store
8:30 Store is closed.
FASHION AVENUE NEWS 