Helpful hints

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These are some of the things that you might find useful in preparing for Fashion Revue

Writing a Great Commentary

Purposes:

• Give information about the model and the outfit.
• Make both the model and the outfit sound great.

Ideas on developing commentary

• Give information about the 4-H member and their interests, such as where they are from, other 4-H projects, years in 4-H, future plans, summer job, etc.
• Give inspiration for, or reason, or occasion outfit was planned.   This could be the theme for the commentary. (Steve had the first football game for the fall in mind when he choose this warm wool.  He’ll be cheering for USC…)
• Keep sentences short and easily readable.
• Use questions and exclamations to give more variety to tone of voice.
• Use alliteration (words beginning with the same sound), such as a “flirty flounce” for a ruffle.
• Create an appealing mental picture with descriptive words. (Ice creamy tones of raspberry and lime…)
• Avoid the obvious or make it more interesting.  (Rather than saying “yellow dress”, make it “sunny” or “lemon”; rather than “it buttons up the front”, say “buttons brighten the front”, etc.)
• Use ACTION words as much as possible. (Buttons march; belts circle waistline, a flaring hem swings, etc.)
• Tell the biggest problem you encountered in sewing the outfit, what new sewing technique you learned.  Saying you put the sleeve in 6 times can encourage some of your audience who are less skilled.
• Add some humor, something amusing that happened while sewing (in her rush to finish the dress, Sue put the zipper in upside down).
• If there are 2 parts to your outfit, such as a coat & dress, mention the outer layer first.
• Read copy (description of clothes) in fashion magazines.  They are great for fun words, current style descriptions.
• As you complete your commentary, go over it to see where it could be make more cheerful, complimentary, and brighter.
• Read it aloud when completed.  Does it flow smoothly?

Which is better and Why?

1. “And here is Mary Jane Smith modeling a red, white, and blue suit. The cardigan jacket has a round collar, long sleeves and buttons down the front.  The blue dress underneath has red pockets, a back zipper and features the ever so popular A-line silhouette.  Mary Jane accessorized her outfit with navy shoes and purse. Thank you.”
2. “It’s the Forth of July for Mary Jane Smith every time she wears this patriotic suit.  And she has a right to celebrate!  The jaunty jacket sports shiny star buttons on the roaring red wool.  And what a great idea!  The scraps form that jacket urn into patch pockets on the military blue dress.  Mary Jane has 6 years of 4-H sewing and foods projects, but always finds a new challenge.  She made this suit during a thunderstorm, finishing just before the electricity went off.
   ”Can you imagine how great the outfit will be at UCLA, where Mary Jane will be a freshman this fall?”

Suggested Questions for Judges to Ask at Fashion Revue

1. Why did you pick this outfit/pattern/fabric?
2. What was the hardest part?
3. What was the most fun?
4. What did you like the most/least?
5. What did you learn?
6. Will you make this pattern again?
7. Do you like it?
8. What would you like to change?
9. Was it worth sewing?
10. How does it fit into your wardrobe?
11. Do you enjoy sewing?
12. How did you go about choosing your accessories?
13. Where did you get your ideas?
14. How can you change your accessories to change the look?
15. How do you feel in it?
16. How do you think it looks on you?
17. What has been the reaction of friends when they see it?
18. Each team of judges should ask each participant 3-5 questions.