Host a Trunk Show With Menswear Couture by Stacy Stewart Smith
Are you a wholesale retail account? The Retail Partnership Trunk Show Program is available exclusively to approved Stacy Stewart Smith wholesale accounts and includes a complimentary consultation. Visit the Retail Partnership page →
A Menswear Couture Trunk Show Experience
Stacy Stewart Smith (he/him) presents his couture menswear collection — an intimate couture experience brought directly to your venue, your clientele, and your city.
Each presentation features signature body-conscious tailoring rooted in the great traditions of European couture. The natural waistline returns on fuller trousers, strong shoulders balance the silhouette, and luxurious materials — Harris Tweed®, curly shearling, faux Persian lamb, leather, suede, raw silk Matka, and hand-painted premium cotton percale — are presented in their full splendor on the moving figure.
The collection spans tailoring, special-event menswear, and accessories — offering the well-dressed man statement ensembles for galas, weddings, private events, and distinguished everyday occasions. Historical references from the Edwardian era continue to define the tailoring, while embellished pieces carry rhombus shapes and argyle lattice detailing over sequins.
As agreed, Stacy Stewart Smith’s designs will be the only apparel modeled at the trunk show. Twelve to eighteen original looks are presented on three to six professional male models — each ensemble of two to four garments, including accessories — given names and presented in coordination with an event catalogue and programme. Retailers are welcomed to add shoes and accessories to our looks by prior agreement, but we typically provide the total ensemble and cannot be held responsible for any losses or damages to third-party items.
Prior to the event, invited guests receive a formal email invitation acquainting them with the collection and an opportunity to confirm their attendance. At the door, each gentleman and their guests are presented with a printed programme and style guide — so that what he admires may be recalled, discussed, and ordered with the ease and confidence of a man who knows exactly what he wants.
This is couture as it has always been done — and as it should always be experienced.
Planning for Success
Successful fashion events do not happen by chance — they are strategized with elegant invitation, courteous communication, and extraordinary follow-up. It takes at least 45 to 60 days to plan a successful trunk show, and we ask that hosts commit to this timeline from the outset.
Typically, 10 percent of invited and registered guests will attend. You should aim to invite 300 guests in order to achieve 30 serious attendees with genuine purchase intent. If just 10 of those guests preorder couture, you will exceed the minimum sales requirement and begin earning commission. We will support your outreach with printed postcard mailers, event posters for your store, and a counter teaser display to build anticipation.
Production & Sales Requirement
Each trunk show engagement is a sales-driven event. Our production team — including professional models contracted through a licensed talent agency, dressers, a production assistant, and security — represents a minimum production investment of approximately $6,000 per event. The host must meet this minimum before any commission is paid. Any wholesale order of our couture merchandise by the host may satisfy or count toward the production minimum; however, we do not accept returned merchandise for credit.
At the event, the host is expected to provide restrooms and a safe, clean area to dress the models and secure our merchandise and personal property.
Prospective hosts are subject to a brief qualification process. We reserve the right to decline any engagement at our sole discretion. Fraudulent inquiries or misrepresentation of venue, organization, or intent will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
To confirm an engagement, all hosts are required to submit the following fees at signing:
| Fee | Amount | Refund Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Model & Agency Deposit | $3,000 | Non-refundable under all circumstances. Agency contracts are binding upon booking. |
| Transportation Fee | $500 | Refundable only if cancellation is received 30 or more days prior to the event date. |
| Total Due at Signing | $3,500 |
Both fees are credited toward the minimum sales commitment at the event. Approximately 30 days prior to the event, all human resources are contracted and booked — this is when the fees are put to work. Hosts who cancel within 30 days of the event forfeit both fees in full. Fees are subject to adjustment based on the number of models and production staff required; all details are agreed upon at signing.
We cannot unilaterally reschedule an event. In the event of severe weather or a declared national emergency on or near the event date, we will work in good faith with all contracted parties and the host to find an alternative date. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund will be issued.
Commission Schedule
Host sponsors earn commission on all couture sales by verified registered attendees, according to the following pre-agreed volume tiers. The $3,500 upfront deposit is credited toward the minimum sales commitment. Commissions are paid 30 days after the client receives their merchandise. Orders must be placed at the event or within 30 days of the event date; sales made after this period do not qualify. Walk-in attendees may register at the event via our website to qualify.
| Total Event Sales | Host Commission |
|---|---|
| $5,000 – $9,999 | 3% |
| $10,000 – $14,999 | 5% |
| $15,000 – $19,999 | 10% |
| $20,000 – $29,999 | 15% |
| $30,000 and above | 20% |
Charitable and religious organizations are subject to a flat engagement fee. Commission on sales above the fee threshold is available by prior arrangement.
Who Should Host
Luxury Retail Stores — Luxury retail stores with an approved wholesale account should visit the Retail Partnership — Trunk Show Program for their dedicated process, which includes a complimentary consultation.
Charitable Organizations & Religious Institutions — Churches, hospitals, foundations, and nonprofit institutions are warmly welcomed as hosts. A couture presentation is a distinguished draw for donors and supporters. Charitable and religious engagements require a flat engagement fee, after which a percentage of event sales may be directed toward your cause by prior arrangement. Commission on sales is available once the flat fee has been satisfied.
Private Clubs & Cultural Institutions — Offer your members an exclusive, curated fashion experience befitting their discernment. The Stacy Stewart Smith trunk show is a natural complement to the refined sensibilities of private membership communities.
How It Works
Inquiry & Agreement — Contact us to express your interest. We will schedule a video consultation to discuss your venue, clientele, event date, and the minimum sales commitment or flat fee applicable to your engagement type. A $3,000 model deposit and a $500 transportation fee are due at signing to confirm the date.
Invitations — Guests receive a formal email invitation prior to the show. Invitation management is available through our marketing platform. For purchases to count toward host commission, guests must register on our site, RSVP to attend, and place an order at the event or within 30 days of it. Registered guests may receive a single-use discount code in their exclusive after-show gift bag.
The Presentation — On the agreed date, our team arrives with the garments, accessories, and professional models. Guests are welcomed with host-sponsored champagne or sparkling cider, bottled water, and light refreshments as the collection is presented over one elegant hour.
Sales & Consultation — Two hours before and two hours after the show, Stacy Stewart Smith and host staff work together to assist guests with selections. Initial measurements and consultations take place at the event. Active participation by host staff is expected and essential.
Measurements & Final Fittings — Final fittings are scheduled at your location at a mutually convenient time.
Made to Order — Every garment is made to order in New York City. Production begins upon receipt of payment, with delivery in 15 to 60 days depending on the style.
Announce Your Event in Atelier Quarterly
Once your trunk show is confirmed, consider listing your event in the Atelier Quarterly Event & Fashion Show Calendar — the house publication’s curated calendar of luxury menswear events, reaching a discerning audience of collectors, retailers, and cultural tastemakers. A calendar listing is available to all confirmed trunk show hosts at the standard rate.
Request a Consultation
To express your interest in hosting a Stacy Stewart Smith couture trunk show, please review the full terms above and purchase the Consultation Package below.
Please note: we do not accept unsolicited phone inquiries regarding trunk show hosting. All initial contact must be made through the consultation package process above.
