Runway Etiquette

DO: Arrive early and follow your designated check-in procedures. VIP and media guests often have separate lines and priority admission, followed by standard and general admission. 

Good Manners Are Always in Fashion

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending Los Angeles Fashion Week. While the collections commanded attention, I found myself observing something beyond the runway: the etiquette of the audience. 

From seating arrangements to personal conversations, it was a reminder that fashion can be on display, but so are our manners. 

Let's walk through the do's and don'ts of runway etiquette. 

1. THE ARRIVAL

DO: Arrive early and follow your designated check-in procedures. VIP and media guests often have separate lines and priority admission, followed by standard and general admission.

DON'T: Assume your outfit grants you VIP access. Respect the event staff and your ticket designation.

2. SIT CONSIDERATELY

DO: Remain in your assigned seat. Fold your jacket neatly across your lap and tuck your purse beneath your chair, keeping walkways clear.

DON'T: Occupy another guest's seat with your belongings or allow your handbag to spill into your neighbor's personal space.

3. LEGS & POSTURE

DO: Sit upright with your knees together. If crossing your legs, a graceful cross at the ankles keeps your feet from extending into the runway or your neighbor's space.

DON'T: Extend your legs into the aisle, block the runway, or invade another guest's seating area.

4. PERSONAL BELONGINGS

DO: Keep water bottles, beverages, and personal belongings securely within your designated space.

DON'T: Place drinks or belongings near the runway where they could spill, create a hazard, or interfere with the models.

5. PHONES & PHOTOGRAPHY

DO: Silence your phone and remain attentive throughout the presentation. Take photographs discreetly when permitted.

DON'T: Use flash photography, obstruct another guest's view, or spend the entire show scrolling through personal messages and social media.

6. MIND YOUR MANNERS

DO: Give the presentation your attention. Cover your mouth discreetly when yawning or coughing, and keep conversations for before or after the show.

DON'T: Talk, laugh loudly, or engage in distracting behavior while models are presenting a designer's collection.

7. RESPECT THE RUNWAY

DO: Remain seated, respect the models' space, and applaud at appropriate moments, particularly during the designer's finale.

DON'T: Step onto the runway, interrupt the presentation, or approach models for photographs.


THE FINAL WALK

Attending a fashion show is more than an opportunity to admire beautiful clothing. It's an opportunity to demonstrate courtesy, consideration, and respect for the artistry before us.

After all, style is what you wear. Etiquette is how you carry yourself.

Countributor Eileen Copeland is the founder of Southern California Etiquette™, a modern etiquette and social refinement platform which explores dining culture, hosting, presentation, and contemporary social behavior. A native Southern Californian, Eileen's background includes executive and personal assisting, real estate, wellness, modeling, beauty, and luxury client services. Married for over 15 years, Eileen is a mother of two and grandmother of two, whose broad experiences, including living internationally for nearly a decade, helped shape her appreciation for culture, hospitality, and refined living. She shares life with her husband, her mini Goldendoodle, Teddy, her poodle, Cali and Luna, her sphynx cat, while continuing her etiquette studies under mentor Maura Graber of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette.

 🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, is the Site Editor of the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia