In event-planning time, fashion week is just around the corner. Come mid-September, every fashionista in New York will have their eyes on the newest styles. Why not make the most of the fashion frenzy by hosting a runway show as a fundraising event for your favorite cause? In this article, we show en-vogue event planners how to host runway shows as fundraising events that break the mold.
Give Your Fashion Show Purpose with SMART Goals
Before you begin, get specific about what you want to accomplish. Fundraisers are about more than raising funds. Your fashion show fundraiser also spreads the word about your cause, boosts your organization’s brand, and maximizes the feel-good vibes towards your charity.
Create measurable goals for these metrics as well as more tangible benchmarks, such as ticket sales, social media mentions, and volunteer sign-ups. Above all, make sure your supporters know how the funds raised will benefit your organization.
How to Choose a Theme for Your Fashion Fundraiser
Fashion week is awash in the latest styles and chicest trends. You need a popping theme to make your fashion show stand out. Look no further than the first rule of fashion: express yourself. Make your charity fashion show memorable by choosing a theme that aligns with your organization’s mission.
For example, a fashion show for a dog rescue will likely sell out if it features furry, four-legged with the models. Or an organization dedicated to sustainability can sponsor a show featuring fashion made from upcycled materials.
How to Set a Realistic Budget for Your Fashion Show Fundraiser
Your fashion show fundraiser has an advantage that the big catwalks don’t have. The charitable nature of your organization is a draw for sponsors and volunteers. You can save big on fashion show necessities, like hair and makeup artists, models, and a master of ceremonies, by tapping into your network of supporters. Assembling volunteers and the right sponsors will leave more room in your budget for the real show stoppers, such as your venue, A/V equipment, and DJ.
Choose the Right Venue to Make Your Fashion Fundraiser a Success
Like most NYC events, the right venue is everything. Fashion shows have many moving parts, and much of the movement happens backstage. You’ll need ample space backstage for models to change and for hair and makeup artists to perform their magic.
Your seating area needs to be large enough for your attendees, and keep in mind that your catwalk will extend into this area. Planning a space for a cash bar and a table to sell event tees will increase your fundraising success. And don’t forget about spaces for pre-show events and the afterparty.
Details Make the Fashion Show
Like the fashion they celebrate, good runway shows become great with the right details. Use these additional tips to put on a flawless runway show fundraiser.
- Give your attendees a gift bag of fashion goodies.
- Engage the audience with contests, meet-and-greets with the designers, and photo backdrops.
- Use technology with live social media feeds and virtual fitting rooms.
- Invite journalists and use the press to create buzz about your fashion show fundraiser.
Crow About Your Fashion Fundraiser Success at The Event Planner Expo 2025
A fashion show fundraiser is the perfect way to call attention to a great organization, not to mention your primo event planning skills. After you’ve basked in the limelight of fashion week, set your sights on The Event Planner Expo. This three-day event is the perfect occasion to learn more event planning tips and tricks and crow a little about your recent fundraiser success. Reserve your booth today.
