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From Rockets to Robots: The Art of the Fashion Show
5 Apr
Summary
- Fashion shows evolved from street displays to elaborate spectacles.
- Charles Frederick Worth pioneered the first fashion catwalk show.
- The V&A Dundee exhibition explores fashion show origins and impact.
The V&A Dundee's exhibition, Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show, traces the captivating evolution of fashion runway presentations. Initially, designers presented garments on streets or via miniature dolls sent to clients. Charles Frederick Worth is credited with staging the first true fashion show, a practice later adapted by pioneers like Paul Poiret and Gabrielle Chanel to showcase clothing on live models.
Over time, fashion shows became increasingly theatrical, incorporating dramatic elements. Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel shows featured a rocket and a simulated supermarket, while Alexander McQueen created unforgettable finales, including one where robots spray-painted a model. These spectacles aimed to convey a designer's vision, with models developing unique walks to best display the clothing, from Chanel's 'slouch' to Mary Quant's '60s-inspired dance.
Contemporary designers like Nicholas Daley and Charles Jeffrey blend their heritage and music into their shows, demonstrating a continued spirit of rebellion and artistic expression. The exhibition also touches upon the Theatre de la Mode, a miniature fashion show concept from 1945 that helped the industry survive post-war. Today, technology like AI plays a role, but the human element remains central, as explored through the exhibition's diverse displays.
