This year’s conference was held in Nashville TN. If you didn’t get the chance to see the fashion show you missed some very creative garments!

I would like to take this time to give you some background about myself and how I ended up saying “yes” to the position of Fashion Show Coordinator.

Although I have been a member of ASDP since 2007 and have attended every conference since Denver, I never volunteered to “chair” any ASDP event. However, that all changed last year. Due to unexpected circumstances, last year’s Fashion Show Coordinator had to step down. Robin Bolton, a previous fashion show coordinator, called to ask if I would be interested in being Fashion Show Coordinator in 2012. I had participated and modeled for fashion shows years ago, but I had never been a Fashion Show Coordinator! What was I getting myself into? Robin assured me she would guide me through the process. I knew the background of the situation so how could I say no? The event needed a coordinator, so I said yes!

As the rookie, I worked with Robin B. in Novi. I took notes and tried to absorb as much as I could regarding what needed to be done in a short period of time. Though overwhelmed at the time, I began to think that maybe I would consider being the coordinator for the following year. When asked to be the coordinator for 2013 I said yes!

There was so much to do the day of the Fashion Show that I had to leave class early. The first order of business was to line up the 26 garments and arrange all of the Member Showcase entries in numerical order. All garments in the line-up were dropped off the night before and that morning. A clothes rack of garments had to be transported from the second floor down to the first floor and into a dressing room, a difficult maneuver when moving the rack by yourself. All of the garments entered in the show had previously been matched with a model, but only on paper. My task was to find as many models as I could, match them up to their selected garment(s), have them try the garment(s) on and pray to the “runway goddess” that they fit. You guessed I; there were a few garments that did not fit the assigned model correctly and new models needed to be found.

In the meantime, the 15 Threads Sleeves Challenge garments were being juried by Susan Khalje, Judith Neukam and Lynn Lesher. Since I was privy to the photos in the Sleeve Challenge, I can tell you we have some very, very creative people in our group! The judging process takes time and the judges could not be disturbed, so the job of matching models and garments, for this section of the fashion show, came to a halt. I had to wait until the judging was completed. The clock was ticking!

The next job was to make sure the fashion show equipment was up and running. This included making sure the sound system was compatible with the IPad we were using to play the background music and to be sure the microphone was working. I also needed to be sure the setup and layout of the runway were correct. We needed more lighting on the runway, so spot lights were brought in and adjusted so they did not blind the models while walking the runway.

I received word the judging for the Threads Challenge was complete and the garments headed down to the back stage area. Although most of the designers who entered the challenge were modeling their own designs, a few designers chose not to. I needed to make sure each of these garments had a model and there were still a few Member Showcase garments without models. The hunt for models continued.

At 5:30 pm all involved in the fashion show were in the dressing room to receive instructions. The garments and accessories are ready to go. Healthy snacks and beverages have been provided for those who have not had a chance to eat dinner. We had a discussion on the line-up, walking the runway, playing to the audience and the procedure for having photos taken. There was a short question and answer session and a walk through.

At 7 pm the models were beginning to get dressed with the help of their “handmaids”. Although there are some fast changes backstage, it is important not to be too rushed when getting dressed. A “handmaid” is a volunteer ready to help the model in and out of the garment as fast as possible. Another important volunteer is the “line-up person.” This person is responsible for lining up the models in the correct order and checking the models over before they walk on the runway. These are the two most viable backstage volunteers who help make the fashion show run smoothly.

Don Claussen, of “Trap the Light Photography”, was our photographer for the event. Photos were taken a little differently this year. Instead of taking pictures on the runway, still shots were taken. A small space was set up just before the models walked out onto the runway. Here the models were asked to pose for their “photo shoot.” Don made all the models feel very relaxed in front of the camera. I talked to Don a couple of weeks after the fashion show. He said, “I had a great time and really enjoyed the opportunity to see some wonderful garments worn by such friendly models.” 

At 7:30 pm the first ten models had been photographed and were standing in line waiting to go on stage. It was show time! I was standing to the back and side of the runway. My responsibility at this point was to have all the models in the correct order and to have eye contact with the commentator should there be a mishap. Helen Haughey welcomed the audience and the show was underway.

The second group of models was photographed and ready to go as the first group left the runway. Several models from the first group needed to do quick changes since they had at least one more outfit to show. It was an atmosphere of calm chaos in the back stage area, but all went well. 

The 15 entries for the Threads Sleeve Challenge were lined up in order and ready to walk out onto the runway. As they walked out one at a time, the audience had a chance to study the garments. The Threads finalists returned to the runway for a final walk so the audience had a chance to choose their favorite for the “Audience Choice Award.” Among these entries are innovative ideas and designs and choosing just one is difficult! Susan Khalje introduced the judges for the Threads Challenge; Judith Neukam, Lynn Lesher and Susan Khalje. Judith Neukam explained the judging process, the categories, and commented on the amazing talent of the group. She had a few personal comments and thoughts before announcing the winners of the 2013 Threads Challenge.

And the winners are:

• Debbie Spence – Best Overall 
• Debbie Bone Harris – Best Construction 
• Barbie McCormick – Most Innovative 
• Sylvie Privat – Best Inspiration 
• Debbie Bone-Harris – Audience Choice

There was much excitement as well as happy tears as ASDP members hugged and congratulated one another. The atrium was filled with exuberance. Congratulations to all Challenger Winners!

The show is over! Everything ran smoothly in the front where I was stationed. I do not have a clue what went on in back, but I have heard things ran exceptionally well backstage. Positive comments were received such as beautiful, ran smoothly, rehearsal was helpful, and it was wonderful to have all of the women who volunteered backstage. I’d like to take this time to thank all of the members who volunteered to make this event run smoothly. It is very much appreciated.

I can’t tell you everything that is involved in presenting a fashion show because I’m still learning what goes on behind the scenes and in the spotlight. Check in with me again next year because I said “yes” yet again for another year of Fashion Show Coordinator for ASDP in 2014. See you in “Liberty Town!”