It doesn't take a fashion major to know what a fashion show is, it's the most publicly recognized creative fashion presentation there is. Although it is glamorous and extravagant, it is not the only way to display fashion by any means. In fact, there is another method that is often times more effective and cost efficient for most designers called a trunk show.Trunk shows are a way for designers or vendors to present their line/collection of merchandise to customers. They are shown to major retailers all the way down to small boutiques. Often times, trunk shows allows store personnel to get a first look at the merchandise before it is made available to the public. It is also common for leftover items from runways and samples to be shown at trunk shows.
These trunk shows are especially popular in the bridal industry. The selection of designer's bridal collections is larger for brides to view than in the actual salon. In fact, trunk shows got their name from the huge trunks the dresses were carried in place to place.
Online or virtual trunk shows have recently been gaining traction, especially in the luxury end. Retailers including Bergforf Goodman and Salvatore Ferragamo have caught on to this trend and have seen success from the transition. Many believe it is the future of trunk shows.
Here is a video of a shopthefinest.com's (a luxury menswear retailer based out of LA) trunk show in Midtown Manhattan. This just gives you an idea what a trunk show of this size works....
This is an image of an invitation to a trunk show for another retailer....
