Over To You: How Do I DJ A Fashion Show?

Digital DJ Tips reader Nicky writes: “I got this residency in a events organising company. Every time they organise events like weddings, debuts and shows, they hire me to DJ the after-party or provide background music, so I try to be open-minded and tend to try any music genre that I can get my hands on.

“My question is… I’m doing a fashion show gig, and my usual style doesn’t really relate to fashion shows. Any suggestions of how to play these kinds of gigs, and even songs, artists or genres I could use?”

Digital DJ Tips says:

We’ve never had an article on DJing fashion shows, but I know of at least one pretty big DJ (Will White from Propellerheads) who got a gig DJing some pretty high profile fashion shows, and I’m sure it can be an exciting area to be in.

I guess a lot of it is about choreography and timing, because it’s an “event”, so there are going to be other considerations other than just the music. I can’t honestly see why a fashion show would have to be any particular type of music, and it’s going to depend a lot on the brand image of the fashion label(s) involved, and of course where you are in the world.

If it were me, I’d look at YouTube videos of similar events to check out what the music is doing, and even ask the organiser and/or labels involved what they’re expecting. But as I’ve no personal experience at all of this type of gig, I’d love for our readers to get involved on this one.

So, have you ever DJed a fashion show? Even if you haven’t, if you were asked to do one, how would you play it? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.