In a historic event, 1,750 guests gathered on the Pont Neuf bridge in Paris for Pharell Williams’s debut show with Louis Vuitton, with an audience of over one billion watching online. This highlights the evolution of fashion shows from exclusive events for elite clientele into global spectacles accessed by millions through social media. The new immersive exhibition, ‘Vogue: Inventing the Runway’, opening on 13 November at London’s Lightroom, seeks to explore this transformation by taking a deep dive into the archives of Vogue magazine and featuring 60 influential designers. The exhibition showcases iconic runway moments throughout history while allowing visitors to engage with the stories behind fashion shows in an interactive setting. While traditional spaces haven’t typically hosted fashion exhibitions, Lightroom aims to merge different media forms, offering a rich, multisensory experience. The exhibition ends with a spotlight on Williams’s recent show, underscoring the cultural significance fashion has achieved in today’s society.

Fashion shows have undergone significant changes since their inception, shifting from private presentations for wealthy clients to globally recognised events. Historically, the first live fashion presentations were held by Charles Frederick Worth in the 19th century, leading towards the modern day spectacle influenced by cultural events and technological advancements. Today, fashion shows are shared in real-time through social media, thereby expanding their reach and impact on popular culture.

The ‘Vogue: Inventing the Runway’ exhibition showcases the evolution of fashion shows, emphasising their cultural impact and accessibility in the digital age. It reflects on how these events have transformed over time from exclusive affairs to global spectacles. By utilising Vogue’s extensive archives, the exhibition provides a comprehensive narrative of fashion history while inviting the audience to experience the backstage creativity of renowned designers.

Original Source: www.voguebusiness.com

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