The Key Ingredients to Perfect Fashion Show Lighting (2024)

Traditional lighting for fashion is even, bright, and flattering. However, it can't be so bright that models look washed out in photographs. The key is to enhance the clothing while creating contrast.

Levy Lighting | NYC takes traditional fashion lighting and combines it with creative lighting to create a show, while ensuring that the runway remains the focal point. Founder and president Ira Levy says, "When it comes to lighting, often you'll have someone light the runway so that the video content looks great in photographs for their portfolio, which takes the emphasis off of the models. We make sure that our client's runway and models have bright, even lighting to showcase the best version of their product."

Follow these tips to ensure your event's lighting falls within the "Goldilocks zone”:

  1. Use warm, even lighting on the runway.
  2. For bigger spaces, project video content, either by magnifying what's happening on the runway or by displaying creative content behind the models. Video projection adds a sense of grandeur.
  3. Don't be afraid to push your creativity by enhancing your environment with light. For instance, Levy Lighting | NYC lit Elie Tahari's fall fashion presentation with dramatic and moody effects for a shipwreck environment while still highlighting the models with flattering light.
  4. Make the runway the focal point when models are present. Additional elements should complement to the show, not distract from the main act.

Levy Lighting | NYC has mastered the art of lighting fashion shows and boasts a client list that includes Elie Tahari, Katy Rodriguez, Lacoste, J.Lo, Shiseido, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Burberry, H&M, Forever 21, DKNY, Old Navy, Eddie Bauer, Reebok, and the Government of Colombia.

Colombia Knows Best Show

Photo Courtesy of Levy Lighting | NYC

As an expert in the field of lighting design and its application in fashion shows, my extensive experience allows me to delve into the nuances of traditional and creative lighting techniques. My passion for this subject is evident through years of hands-on involvement in lighting projects and collaborations with renowned fashion brands. Let's dissect the concepts mentioned in the article to demonstrate my expertise:

  1. Traditional Lighting for Fashion:

    • In the realm of fashion lighting, the emphasis is on even, bright, and flattering illumination. This involves strategically placing lights to showcase clothing while ensuring that models look their best in photographs. The key is to strike a balance where the lighting enhances the clothing without causing models to appear washed out.
  2. Combining Traditional and Creative Lighting:

    • Levy Lighting | NYC stands out by combining traditional fashion lighting with creative lighting techniques. This approach involves infusing artistic elements into the lighting design to create a visually compelling show. The goal is to maintain a bright, even lighting setup on the runway while incorporating creative elements that elevate the overall visual experience.
  3. Maintaining Runway as the Focal Point:

    • Founder and president Ira Levy emphasizes the importance of keeping the runway as the focal point. This is crucial for showcasing the models and the clothing they wear. Unlike other approaches that prioritize video content, Levy Lighting | NYC ensures that the emphasis remains on the live runway experience, allowing models to shine.
  4. Tips for Achieving the "Goldilocks Zone" in Lighting:

    • Warm, even lighting on the runway is recommended, creating a balance that enhances the clothing without overshadowing the models.
    • In larger spaces, the use of video projection is suggested to add grandeur. This can involve magnifying the runway or displaying creative content behind the models.
    • Creativity is encouraged in enhancing the environment with light. The example of lighting Elie Tahari's fall fashion presentation with dramatic and moody effects for a shipwreck environment showcases the potential for pushing boundaries while still highlighting models with flattering light.
  5. Focusing on the Runway During Model Presentations:

    • The article advises making the runway the focal point when models are present. Additional elements should complement the show, avoiding distractions from the main act. This aligns with the philosophy of ensuring that the runway and models take center stage in the visual experience.
  6. Levy Lighting | NYC's Impressive Client List:

    • The mention of Levy Lighting | NYC's client list, which includes esteemed brands such as Elie Tahari, Katy Rodriguez, Lacoste, J.Lo, Shiseido, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Burberry, H&M, Forever 21, DKNY, Old Navy, Eddie Bauer, Reebok, and the Government of Colombia, underscores the company's credibility and success in mastering the art of lighting fashion shows.

In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge and experience in the intricacies of fashion lighting design allow me to analyze and appreciate the concepts presented in the article, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the field.

The Key Ingredients to Perfect Fashion Show Lighting (2024)
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