Traditionally fashion shows were used to show off a designer’s collection for a particular season. However, fashion shows are becoming more and more theatrical. The focus is sometimes taken away from the clothing and it becomes more about the theatrics of the show. Fashion shows can also pop up literally anywhere.
Flash Fashion Show
In May this year eco fashion label, Wear Chemistry, launched its new collection to shoppers and commuters around Oxford Circus and Carnaby Street. Trish Richards, co-founder of Wear Chemistry said: “We wanted to do something that would prove fashion still has the capacity to stop people in their tracks—even in the ever moving city of London.”
Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen was one of the great showmen at fashion weeks. His shows were highly theatrical and at times a bit controversial. In his Spring 2001 show the audience sat around a mirrored cube. When it was lit up from inside it showed that the inside was a hospital cell. The models gave the impression they were demented, a fashion version of One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
In his SS 1999 show a model stood in the centre of the catwalk wearing a white 50s-inspired dress. Two robotic arms were at either side and as the model was rotated the arms splattered her and the dress with paint. It was so simple but truly unique as well.
At one of his shows he played tribute to his close friend Isabella Blow. The backdrop of the show was a nine-meter-high eagle sculpture made from Versa Tubes. McQueen really set a standard for theatrical fashion shows; hopefully Sarah Burton will be able to continue pushing the boundaries for Alexander McQueen’s shows.
Chanel
Chanel is another fashion house that really gives the audience a great show every season. For the Spring 2008 Couture show the company had a giant Chanel jacket that had looked like it had been cast in concrete. The jacket is a true symbol of Chanel.
In 2009 Chanel had a giant carousel in the centre of the catwalk, which the models stood on. In 2010 models cascaded down a giant staircase in the centre. The 2011 show has got to be the most beautiful and spectacular thing I have ever seen. A giant fountain with a black geometric pattern around the outside. In the background an 80-piece orchestra was playing.
Ice-rinks
Fashion shows aren’t restricted to solid ground. Two designers have featured their shows on ice rinks. Peter Jensen held his Spring 2005 Ready-to-Wear show at an ice rink. Champion ice skaters modelled his collection. Earlier this year Elise Øverland’s Fall 2011 show was also set on an ice rink. The models stood on patches so they could stay upright on the ice. Some models were on skates though. Both designers used ice rinks for their collections, proving that ice rinks aren’t restricted to just Fall collections.
Spring Summer 2011
The Spring Summer shows really showed some great examples of theatrical shows. Dior’s show was set on a waterfront, imagine Pirates of the Caribbean with fashion models. Emanuel Ungaro created a catwalk from fresh grass and 70s-inspired cars. The cars were hidden under multicoloured flowers and butterflies. Hermes show featured a live equestrian show and Band of Outsiders set was like a scene from a hospital, beds and desks that looked almost the same.
Fashion shows are becoming increasingly theatrical and it will be interesting to see where the fashion world will take catwalk shows in the future. Burberry has already started streaming online. What next though? A catwalk show under the sea, up a mountain or in the sky? Whatever it is I’m sure it will be even more exciting than the shows we’re currently seeing.
Sources
- Jaselyn Melling ‘Flash fashion show literally stops traffic in central London’, Creative Boom, 12th May 2011 .
- Armand Limnander, 'Alexander McQueen', Style.com SS2001, 26th September 2000 .
- Unknown writer, 'Alexander McQueen Robot Paint Dress', Core.Form-Ula, 11th Feb 2010 .
- Unknown writer, 'Element Labs Versa Tubes Adds Glamour To Alexander McQueen Fashion Show', Live Design, 16th October 2007 .
- Sarah Mower, 'Chanel ', Style.com SS2008, 22nd Jan 2008 .
- Amanda, 'Paris Fashion Week , Sao Paulo Fashion Week , and the "Luxury Economy do not Fall Down"', Beauty PR Haute PR, 6th March 2009.
- xoxoaudreystardust, 'Inspiration: Chanel Fashion Show', Dressing up in Daisies, 17th March 2010 .
- Sarah Mower, 'P eter Jensen', Style.com SS2005, 22nd September 2004 .
- Maya Singer, 'Elise Overland' Style.com Fall 2011, 12th February 2011 .
- Unknown writer, 'Designers Imagination Has no Limits When ‘Dressing’ Catwalks', 7th June 2011 .
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