First own fashion show – Fashion Week Finals Berlin
Being backstage at a fashion show means: pure adrenaline, creative chaos and a millimetre plan that allows no mistakes. What the audience experiences as an elegant show is the result of weeks of preparation, hundreds of decisions and a team running at full speed in the final minutes before the runway. CM Models has, in cooperation with FIV Magazin and Haubentaucher Berlin, organised one of the last major
The Organisation: What really happens before a fashion show
Organising your own fashion show is not a project that comes together in a week. Planning begins months in advance — from finding the location and selecting the designers to communicating with the press and agencies. Haubentaucher Berlin was the ideal setting for this event: an outdoor area right by the water that perfectly combines urbanity and fashion flair.
Location and technical equipment
The choice of location determines the entire character of a show. Lighting conditions, walkways, guest capacity and technical infrastructure must be planned from the beginning. Catwalk setups, sound and lighting equipment, stage and audience area — all of this requires professional partners. Those who want to know how professionals shine on the runway will find valuable insider knowledge in our
Designers and Collections
A fashion week show requires designers who tell a story with their collections. The selection of the right talents is crucial — from German fashion designers with Berlin roots to international newcomers. Fit, runway suitability and thematic coherence of the collection are selection criteria that decisively influence the success of a show.
- Location check: light, acoustics, walkways
- Book technical equipment early
- Backup plan for weather problems
- Designer selection: style and message
- Collection logistics and transport
Models and Casting: Who Gets on the Runway
The heart of every fashion show are the models. Without the right casting, there can be no convincing show. CM Models works with a clearly structured selection process that puts experience, body measurements and the ability to authentically present a collection at the centre. Anyone interested in a runway career should know the requirements to become a model and understand which
Body Measurements and Minimum Requirements
Classic catwalk shows have clear requirements for model measurements and prerequisites. The
Casting process at CM Models
Anyone wishing to impress at the
“The last thirty minutes before a show are pure chaos — and yet at the same time the most beautiful thing we experience as a team. When all the models are dressed and standing in the line-up area and the lights go on, you understand why you’ve been sleep-deprived for weeks.”
Backstage: The final minutes before the show starts
Those sitting in the audience see the polished surface. Backstage, however, in the final 30 minutes before the show begins, a highly coordinated sprint is underway: hair is styled for the final time, outfits are numbered, quick-change stations are set up. Stylists, makeup artists, production assistants and floor managers move within a confined space without getting in each other’s way — this is only possible with experience and precise communication.
Dressing room organisation and quick changes
Each model has their own rack with numbered outfits in exact order. Quick Changes — the switch between two looks in under 90 seconds — are choreographed like a theatre piece. Zippers are opened in advance, shoes are pre-positioned, accessories are laid within easy reach. The smallest mistakes cost time, which doesn’t exist backstage.
Music, Light and Timing
Music and light are not decorative — they are structural. Each track corresponds to a look, each change in lighting marks a mood. The timing of the models on the catwalk is synchronised: step for step, beat for beat. The director communicates in real time via headsets with the production team.
| Area | Responsible | Critical Deadline | Backup Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location & Setup | Production Management | 6 hours before show | Alternative indoor option |
| Casting & Models | Booking Management | 48 hours in advance | Stand-by models |
| Hair & Make-up | Creative Director | 2 hours before show | Simplified look |
| Music & Technical | DJ / Sound Engineer | Soundcheck 3 hours before | Backup playlist local |
| Catering & Guests | Event Management | 1 hour before show | Additional supplier on standby |
| Aftershow Party | Venue Manager | Immediately after show | Time buffer planned |
Fashion Weeks worldwide: Context and significance
Berlin is part of a global network of fashion shows that structures and drives the fashion industry. The
Anyone aiming for an international career should consider
Model agency, career and the next step
After a successful show, many models are left wondering: what comes next? Firstly, it’s worth carefully selecting your own agency. A
For the first contact, it’s important to know the rules for writing to a modelling agency. Those who are not yet modelling full-time can find everything about combining modelling with a job or apprenticeship in the article
- Reputable agency: no upfront costs
- Build a professional portfolio before applying
- Use local agencies as a starting point
- Starting as a side job is possible
- Define Fashion Weeks as a career goal
Checklist: How to apply correctly
- ☐ Take current photos in natural light
- ☐ Measure and note body measurements precisely
- ☐ Compile a professional portfolio
- ☐ Research and compare serious agencies
- ☐ Submit your application individually and without typos
- ☐ Choose a simple, body-hugging outfit for the casting
- ☐ Keep hair loose or neatly tied back
- ☐ Arrive on time — at least 15 minutes early
- ☐ Practice a confident, relaxed manner
- ☐ Politely inquire after the casting if there is no response
Ready for the next step? Apply now and become part of the CM Models team.
Frequently asked questions about fashion shows and modelling careers
How do I get booked for a Fashion Week show as a model?
The route usually goes through a modelling agency, which suggests you for suitable castings. Designers and production agencies work directly with agencies — as a freelance model without an agency, access to major shows is significantly more difficult. A professional portfolio, experience in front of the camera and, ideally, some initial runway experience are important.
What does it cost to organise your own fashion show?
The budget varies greatly: A small emerging show can be realised from several thousand euros, while professional Fashion Week shows with full equipment, renowned models, catering and an after-show party can quickly reach five- or six-figure amounts. Location, technical equipment and PR are the biggest cost factors.
What requirements do I need for the runway?
For high-fashion runway shows, minimum heights of 175–180 cm for women and 185–190 cm for men are usually required. In addition, specific measurements are set by the designers. For commercial or curvy shows, different criteria apply. Equally important are the presence, walk and the ability to present clothing effectively in motion.
What does an Aftershow Party at Fashion Week events look like?
The Aftershow Party is an important part of the event — networking, press and industry insiders meet, designers celebrate their collections, models and agents discuss future projects. A successful Aftershow requires a clear location (ideally close to the show), good catering, a DJ and a well-thought-out guest list. The Haubentaucher Berlin offers optimal conditions for exactly this format: outdoor atmosphere, bar infrastructure and the necessary laid-back vibe that characterises Berlin fashion events.
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