Today marks the official end of fashion month and we’ve got to say, this season was exceptional in regards to the stellar venues designers used to unveil their collections. Simple presentations have been sidelined for Instagram-worthy, over-the-top spectacles that are centered on creating an environment that transports the audience—and the world for that matter—to a place where their collections feel at home. Here, the top 5 most extravagant runway shows, from Chanel to The Row and more.
Over-The-Top Fashion Month Venues
Chanel
If you're Karl Lagerfeld and designing for the jet set, you are dealing with the type of woman who spends a lot of time in airports. For this reason, the Chanel show felt 100% at home presented in the most pristine terminal you've ever seen, complete with rows of midcentury modern seating, a Jumbotron listing arrivals/departures and of course, a desk to check your quilted Chanel luggage. The result? Blue skies.
The Row
The Olsen twins clearly have good taste, so when they decided to show their collection in Paris (as opposed to NYC) nothing but the best would do for the venue. Cue the historic chateau they used as a backdrop to present their always-chic collection. Freshly trimmed hedges, winding paths and an elaborate grand staircase made the al fresco event très chic. Did we mention they served lattés and petit fours?
Marc Jacobs
When Marc Jacobs went looking for a space to present his kitschy collection, the iconic Ziegfeld Theatre in Manhattan fit the bill with its crystal chandeliers, retro carpet and stage big enough to fit an orchestra. (Yes, an orchestra played at the show!) The romantic, red velvet seats were filled with glamorous attendees treating themselves to popcorn in customized Marc Jacobs boxes (obviously). This is certain to be the first of many red carpets the stunning collection will make an appearance on.
Tommy Hilfiger
We can only assume Tommy Hilfiger believes the natural habitat of this collection is in the tropics—so obviously, a wading pool and tiki drinks were required elements. A sunset boardwalk was created making the runway presentation feel more like the best happy hour ever. In arguably the best finalé of fashion month, the bikini-clad models, led by Gigi Hadid, waded though the pool in a memorable moment complete with reggae tunes.
Givenchy
For Riccardo Tisci's first stateside Givenchy show, he enlisted the help of Marina Abramović, who set the scene with an array of performance artist peppered throughout the outdoor venue—which became a sideshow to the main event. The stunning location on the West Side Highway used the sunset, reflective water and twinkling skyscrapers to enhance the moody collection in a moment that can only be described as breathtaking.
