Forgive us for the extreme claims, but in recent fashion weeks, the evidence that classic runway shows of yore are being phased out is mounting. In their place, designers have opted for novel approaches, from surprise music videos (Tom Ford) to tea time presentations (The Row) and even holographic water projections (Ralph Lauren). Consider this and the fact that street style and celebrity looks are so influential, and it’s impossible to not ponder the future of the catwalk. Ahead, a few au courant examples of the anti-fashion show movement for you to contemplate.
Do you think these sartorial spectacles are more relevant than the classic runway? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
The Surprise Music Video
Formally an impossible ticket to score, Tom Ford opened up his Spring 2016 collection viewing to the world with a hypnotic music video set to Lady Gaga's rendition of Chic's "I Want Your Love". Featuring the pop star strutting in the designer's glamorous new duds alongside a crew of models under flashing lights, the fast-paced footage left no one feeling shortchanged in the absence of a standard show.
The Destination Fashion Show
In lieu of New York, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen of the Row unveiled their dreamy spring assortment an hour outside of Paris at the 17th-century Château de Courances. Live piano and guitar provided a charming soundtrack, while VIP guests noshed on small bites and surveyed models walking throughout the estate gardens. This fairytale presentation was the latest in a line of designers traveling to destination locales, including Louis Vuitton (Resort 2016, Palm Springs), Burberry (Fall 2015, Los Angeles) and Tom Ford (Fall 2015, Los Angeles), and we expect the city-hopping trend to continue in seasons to come.
The Periscoped Presentation
Our own Rachel Zoe staged an interactive presentation this season via a live Periscope feed, which invited viewers everywhere to revel in the glamour. Apart from typical live streams, this handheld point-of-view felt more intimate, giving participants the feeling that they were really there. Similar digital streams went down at Ralph Lauren, Bally and Belstaff, among others — aka — don't wait another season to download Periscope.
The After-Party Allure
While Alexander Wang always puts on a memorable runway show, the It-designer's after-parties during fashion weeks are arguably even more gabbed-about. Hosted at Pier 94, this season's bash found lucky guests wildly entertained with live performances (Tinashe, Lil' Wayne and Ludacris), a jam-packed dance floors and pole dancers, to boot. Is it too soon to RSVP for next year?
The Virtual Reality Experience
As an appendage to their Fall 2015 collection, Rebecca Minkoff is selling virtual reality headsets online, which plug directly into iPhones and Androids, enabling consumers a 360-degree view of the runway experience, and forthcoming shows as well. The future is now!
