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NYFW designer Pamella Roland: 'Doing a fashion show is expensive'

The Glossy Podcast · with Pamella Roland · February 11, 2025 · 22 min

Summary

Dive into the high-stakes world of New York Fashion Week with Pamella Roland, a veteran designer who’s navigated its evolving landscape for over two decades. This episode unveils the meticulous planning, substantial financial investment, and strategic execution required to stage a successful runway show, offering an invaluable behind-the-scenes look for any brand considering large-scale experiential marketing or grappling with high production costs in their industry.

Key takeaways

Themes

founder & leadershipbrand & contentsupply chain & operationsfinance & fundraising

Topics covered

new york fashion week logisticsfashion show production costsbrand visibility at fashion eventsexperiential marketing in fashionstrategic event planningfashion industry economics

Episode description

On this NYFW edition of the Glossy Podcast, senior fashion reporter Danny Parisi speaks with Pamella Roland, the founder of her namesake brand that's been a NYFW mainstay for over 20 years. Roland’s first show was at NYFW in 2002, and since then, she’s observed as the week has changed venues and vibes — from the days of everyone showing at Bryant Park to today, when designers are spread out around the city. She shares with Glossy what kind of work and preparation goes into making an effective fashion show happen and how brands can make the most of the week.

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Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Fashion shows, especially at events like NYFW, are significant financial undertakings; brands must meticulously budget for creative development, production, staffing, venue, and marketing to ensure ROI.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
NYFW has evolved from centralized venues to a dispersed model, requiring brands to adapt their logistical and marketing strategies to maximize visibility amidst city-wide dispersion.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Strategic planning extends beyond the show itself; brands must leverage NYFW's visibility through media engagement, buyer interactions, and creating memorable experiences to justify the investment.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Sustained success in high-profile events like NYFW depends on a blend of creative vision, meticulous organization, and astute financial management, offering lessons for long-term brand building in competitive markets.

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