What You Need for a Fashion Show

A fashion show needs more than outfits and a runway. You will need a clear setup for the audience, a workable backstage area, reliable sound and lighting, and enough equipment for models, presenters and crew. This shopping list covers the physical items to buy, hire or bring, from clothing racks and mirrors to microphones, cable protection and seating. Check quantities against your venue layout and the number of models before ordering.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Runway Panelsqty 12
Audience chairsqty 120
Bistro tablesqty 8
Foldable tablesqty 10
Stoolsqty 12
Clothes racksqty 12
Mirrorsqty 8
Partitionsqty 8
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Laptop
Audio cablesqty 6
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Cable traysqty 20
Clothes steamersqty 3
Ironsqty 2
Ironing boardsqty 2
Clothing coversqty 120
Hand mirrorsqty 6
Makeup mirrorsqty 4
Clothes railsqty 6
Storage boxesqty 20
Clothes hangersqty 180
Sewing kitsqty 4

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 8
LED lampsqty 12
Mood lightingqty 6
Light standsqty 4

Decorations

Backdrop clothqty 2
Fabric decor panelsqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Table runnersqty 8
Name card holdersqty 10
Directional signsqty 12
Program boardsqty 4

Tableware

Water glassesqty 140
Wine glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Espresso cupsqty 40
Dessert platesqty 140
Coffee spoonsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Serving traysqty 8
Small bowlsqty 20
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Kitchen apronsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Waste binsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 2 kilos
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Decaf coffee - 500 grams
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Still mineral water - 60 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 40 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Ginger ale - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Prosecco - 12 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Mini rolls - 150 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Herb cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 2 kilo
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Smoked salmon - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian spreads - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Pears - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Blueberries - 1 kilo
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Rice crackers - 6 packs
- Mini quiches - 180 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 180 pieces
- Vegan snacks - 100 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Brownies - 120 pieces
- Mini muffins - 120 pieces
- Macarons - 120 pieces
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Pepper - 1 grinder
- Salt - 1 pack
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 8 packs
- Garbage bags - 100 pieces
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan at least one clothing rack section per designer or collection, plus extra hangers for outfits waiting to go on. Add mirrors and partitions so models can change and check their look without exposing the backstage area.
Count audience chairs from the seating plan, then add 5–10% spare chairs for late changes or damaged seats. Bistro tables, stools and foldable tables should be ordered only after you know where guests, registration and catering will stand.
Test every speaker, mixer, wireless microphone and laptop together at least 24 hours before the show. Bring spare audio cables, extension cords and power strips, and protect cables crossing walkways with cable trays.
Allow enough lighting for both the runway and backstage: stage spotlights for the models, LED lamps for preparation areas, and light stands positioned where they cannot block the audience view. Check power requirements before delivery.
Prepare directional signs and program boards before guests arrive, and place waste bins near catering and backstage exits. Water glasses should be available for presenters and crew; avoid leaving glassware beside clothing racks or electrical equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How many chairs do I need for a fashion show?: Use one chair per confirmed guest on the audience plan, then add 5–10% spare seating. For 100 guests, prepare 105 to 110 chairs if the venue has enough space.
How many clothes racks are needed for a fashion show?: Plan at least one rack for each designer or collection, with separate space for outfits assigned to models. Add one extra rack for returns, steaming or garments waiting for a quick change.
When should fashion show equipment be ordered?: Book furniture, lighting and sound equipment at least 2–4 weeks before the show, especially if the date is fixed. Confirm delivery and setup times again 48 hours before the event.
How much lighting and sound equipment does a fashion show need?: At minimum, plan speakers, a mixer, one wireless microphone, a laptop, audio cables and protected power access. Use runway spotlights plus backstage LED lamps, and test the complete setup at least 24 hours in advance.

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