The Victoria’s Secret fashion show was one of the most talked about events this year. Filmed on 8th November in New York, the 2012 event featured Victoria Secret “Angels” Doutzen Kroes, Adriana Lima, Joan Smalls, Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldrige, Erin Heatherton, among other models. This post will focus on the lighting and special effects seen in the show.
The show started with a circus theme, including acrobats hanging from the ceiling, then moved through a series of themes such as ‘calendar girls’, and ‘silver screen angels’. Not only were the costumes and models incredible, but the lighting and special effects made the show spectacular to watch.
(Image taken from CBS news)
Bowdin et al (2011), states that lighting at a venue has 2 functions. Initially lights are there to allow the audience to see what is happening, and ‘artistically they are central to the design of the event’. Event lighting is one of the most important factors that need special attention to bring the atmosphere of the event to life. Bowdin also states that ‘the sound and lights must compliment the entertainment.’ In the case of this show, the event organisers used the lights to enhance the theme of the costumes. For example the ‘Pink’ section had pink lighting to match. The show had models walking down the runway and celebrities such as Rihanna performing simultaneously. This meant that spotlights and travelling lights had to be used to focus on both the models and performers. Reid (2001), states that when creating a light plan it is essential to decide the placement of the lights, type of lighting, where the light should be pointed and what colours to use. As you see in the picture below, Bruno Mars performed with strobe lighting behind him which was focused on the models entrance and exit.
(Image taken from businessinsider.com)
The event safety guide states that ‘the electricity supply to the stage should be controlled by a switch or switches and installed in a position accessible at all times to authorised people in the staging area’. This is important when considering an event such as this, as it is often busy and chaotic backstage, therefore if the lighting control was in the middle of this area it would be extremely difficult to get to if needed.
However the use of lights did not stop at the stage, they were also part of the costumes. In the picture below Erin Heatherton wears a circus themed costume complete with light up wings.
As the show had a budget of 12 million dollars, paying for the highest standard of health and safety was not an issue and it all ran smoothly – the angels will be flying for another year.
References:
Bowdin et al, 2007, Events Management, 2nd Ed, Elsevier, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford.
Reid, 2001, Staging Handbook, 2nd Ed, A&C Black, London.
http://www.businessinsider.com/photos-victorias-secret-fashion-show-2012-2012-12?op=1 (accessed on 09/12/12)
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-207_162-57557217/victorias-secret-fashion-show-2012-a-night-of-fashion-and-music/ (accessed on 09/12/12)
http://EzineArticles.com/4341405 (accessed on 09/12/12) www.eventsafetyalliance.org/Portals/0/Downloads/Original_Chapters/10-Electrical_Installations_Lighting.pdf (accessed on 09/12/12)
Events Operations in Context 