Interview with Stefano Scioscia

A Fashion show lasts an average of 10 to 15 minutes. And yet it takes months of planning, preparation and hard work. We asked Stefano Scioscia, the man behind the artistic direction of some of the most outstanding runway shows, to give us insight about his work. Forward: How did you get started in this field?Stefano Scioscia: It all began by chance. I was scouted by an agent in Italy and started working as a model. Over the years, I realized that I was less interested in the modeling career, and very curious about its technical aspect. I was determined to personally produce fashion shows, taking care of the artistic direction. So after a few years of experience as assistant director, I launched my own company. F: Who are the persons who collaborate together for the success of a fashion show?SS: The casting director, the stylist, the lighting director, the set designer, makeup artists, hair dressers, wardrobe assistants, tailors, the press office, PR representatives, and, of course, the designer and the art director who coordinate the whole thing. F: Step by step, what does it take to organize a fashion show?SS:Initially, I sit with the fashion designer in order to understand his vision, the mood of the collection, and the available budget. We then choose the location of the fashion show and conceive the lighting and set design. In the meantime, we develop the fashion show soundtrack. A week before the fashion show, we organize the castings and fittings of the models. The next step is staging the premises with an appropriate space for the backstage and the catwalk. On the day of the show, we proceed with the light and sound tests, followed by choreography rehearsals with the models. Come D-day, the fashion show starts as the models hit the runway! F: How do you choose the music? The lighting?SS: There are no rules for choosing the music. It depends greatly on the collection and the musical preferences of the designer.I try to keep myself updated about the latest music releases so I can select good music, which is still not mainstream. I choose the tracks, make my edits, add some effects and create my own remix. On other occasions, I collaborate with composers who create a specially designed soundtrack for the collection. In both cases, the music is instrumental.The lighting is designed depending on the location, the set and the concept of the collection. It varies based on the time of the day, the presence of windows, etc. Lighting is key for the success of the photos and videos. F: What is your favorite part about putting together a show? SS:Definitely the design aspect, with the choice of materials, lighting, music, because it’s the most creative part.

Stefano Scioscia,TONY WARD COUTURE