Lighting design for catwalk shows is meant to literally and figuratively shine a light on the clothing collection. Begin designer runway shows with smooth, even, white lighting. Avoid blinding any portion of the audience with glares, which are known as "hot spots". Use lighting to complement the mood of the collection. Activewear, for example, calls for daytime lighting that is bright and even, while gowns require dimmer accompaniment. Regardless of intensity, lighting should fall evenly over the modeled outfits. Professional productions that showcase designer collections have larger budgets, so lighting can be even more extravagant.
Amateur or volunteer shows may lack budget, but they make up for it with enthusiasm. Seek a volunteer technician to operate lighting. Include lighting in the dress rehearsals so that glitches can be worked out ahead of time. As in designer shows, the emphasis should be on the clothing, models and sometimes sponsors. Never upstage the purpose of your event with a "light show."
Use special effects lighting to induce a mood or add drama. Special effects lighting includes moving lights, colored lighting and strobes. Scenery changes can be accomplished through simple lighting techniques. By using colored gels over foot lightbulbs that run along the runway, the color of the ramp can be transformed. Likewise, color gels over backdrop lighting can instantly change your backdrop. Dimming lights adds drama and is a quick mood changer. Strobes coordinated with music strengthen the pulse of the show. Twinkling lights can also be used to create a starry-night effect.