What you need for a fashion show

A fashion show needs more than outfits and a runway. This shopping list covers the equipment and supplies that keep models moving, clothing presentable, guests comfortable, and the show running on time. Plan separate needs for the runway, backstage fitting area, audience seating, sound, and lighting. Count chairs, tables, hangers, microphones, and power connections before the event rather than discovering shortages during setup.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Runway platformsqty 8
Lounge chairsqty 8
Chairsqty 120
Foldable tablesqty 10
Tall cocktail tablesqty 8
Clothes racksqty 12
Clothes hangersqty 120
Mirrorsqty 8
Partitionsqty 6
Table linenqty 12

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 2
Laptop
Laptop stand
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Tapeqty 6
Clothes steamersqty 3
Ironsqty 2
Ironing boardsqty 2
Clothing coversqty 40
Clothing sewing kitsqty 3

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 8
Light standsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 6
Light filtersqty 8

Decorations

Backdrop clothsqty 3
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Table décorqty 10
Directional signsqty 10
Program standsqty 4
Red carpet

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 140
Water glassesqty 140
Coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 140
Forksqty 140
Knivesqty 140
Spoonsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving utensilsqty 12
Carafesqty 20

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice containersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef and serving knivesqty 6
Whiskqty 2
Measuring cupsqty 2
Serving tongsqty 8
Glovesqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Dish brushesqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Ginger beer - 6 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free sparkling wine - 12 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Mini quiches - 120 pieces
- Vegetable frittata - 60 pieces
- Mini wraps with hummus - 80 pieces
- Mini wraps with chicken - 80 pieces
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilo
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Diet cards - 30 pieces
- Name stickers - 150 pieces
- Pens - 20 pieces

Tips

Allow at least one clothes hanger and one clothing cover per look, plus 10–15% extra for last-minute changes or damaged items. Label racks by model or outfit so a quick change does not become a search.
Set up a backstage station with a clothes steamer, iron, ironing board, sewing kit, mirror, and partitions. Have this ready at least 2 hours before doors open; steaming a full collection at the last minute takes longer than expected.
Check the runway lighting with the photographer before guests arrive. Use LED spotlights on stands, test light filters and mood lighting, and keep extension cords and power strips taped down to prevent trips.
Count microphones and stands against the programme: one wireless microphone for the host and a spare if announcements are essential. Test the speakers, mixer, laptop, and laptop stand together at least 60 minutes before the show.
Plan the audience layout before renting furniture. Use runway platforms first, then place chairs and lounge seating with a clear walking route; add cocktail tables, table linen, backdrop cloths, or flower arrangements only after access and visibility are confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

How many clothes hangers do I need for a fashion show?: Use at least one hanger for every outfit or look, then add 10–15% spare hangers. For 50 looks, prepare 55 to 58 hangers so replacements and late changes do not disrupt the backstage area.
What should I buy for a fashion show backstage?: Prepare clothes racks, hangers, clothing covers, mirrors, partitions, a steamer, iron, ironing board, and sewing kits. Have the backstage area ready at least 2 hours before the first model needs to dress.
How much fashion show lighting equipment is needed?: At minimum, plan enough LED spotlights and light stands to illuminate the full runway without dark sections, plus suitable filters and mood lighting. Test the complete setup 60–90 minutes before the audience enters.
How many microphones do I need for a fashion show?: One wireless microphone is usually enough for a single host, but keep a second microphone available if announcements or a backup are important. Test the microphones, mixer, speakers, and laptop at least 60 minutes before showtime.

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