The New Fashion Presentation
Fashion with a capital F has long been deemed unattainable, foreign, and isolating. And let’s admit, it is all of those things for any spectator peaking through shop windows or flicking passively through a waiting room’s copy of Vogue.
However, fashion is ever-changing. With the rise of Instagram, the industry has found itself in a tricky spot—at once under the gaze of more eyes than ever before (closer to her audience?) while becoming increasingly idealized in the minds of its viewers (who are constantly reminded by how different that world must be).
These past few months, we’ve seen some shows push against what is perhaps the most consistent part of every fashion week—the shows. While shows have been known to include music presentations, dancers, and more, the catwalk has always remained more or less the same. The models walk. Or stand. And the show, as it should be, is centered around the designer’s work.
Here are a few recent fashion presentations that made us re-think the typical runway. These presentations have changed their collections from something out of reach to experiences that, at the very least, compel the viewer without pushing them away.
Tomo Koizumi
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Koizumi displayed 7 out-of-this-world looks on one (1!) trans model Ariel Nicholson, who performed different scenes right in front of the typical front-row attendees and more. Koizumi told Vogue that his goal was to bring joy. His effort was well-done with an indulgence in theatrics, camp, and the celebration of one unique star.
Susan Alexandra
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On the theme of bringing joy, Susan Korn used her presentation to celebrate what would have been her !3-year-old self’s dream bat mitzvah. While the clothes are youthful and lively as is (shirts! made of multi-colored beads!), they were presented in a truly youthful setting. Korn’s party/show featured friends and drag queens as models and a rabbi to look over the celebration.
Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya
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8,404 Likes, 30 Comments - ELLE Magazine (@elleusa) on Instagram: "Bringing this energy from #tommyxzendaya into Monday morning 💯 @tommyhilfiger @zendaya @luxurylaw..."
Held at the Appolo Theater, this collection debut was yet another display of merrymaking between Tommy and Zendaya. The set dug into a real-life old-New York jazz fest theme. Models danced down the runway next to a live pianist and a gorgeous 50s style car. Not only did the collection feature prints and colors never-before-seen from Tommy Hilfiger, but it pushed its brand’s limits even farther by displaying the pieces how they were meant to be worn—with glamorous hair and makeup unafraid of a little sweat from the dance floor.
Ralph Lauren
14.6k Likes, 32 Comments - Ralph Lauren (@ralphlauren) on Instagram: ""In a tuxedo you're timeless, and you're right on time." #JanelleMonae wears a look inspired by..."
18.9k Likes, 36 Comments - Ralph Lauren (@ralphlauren) on Instagram: ""While there's moonlight and music and love and romance, let's face the music and dance." Looks..."
Similarly, another classic Americana label dove into a jovial image of the United States in the jazz age. Models first smiled and twirled amongst circular tables resembling a real jazz club. Guests wore black and white attired (Eva Chen wore a black and white Marvel sweatshirt she last-minute picked up from Target), and were able to engage in light conversation whilst watching the show. Soon, Janelle Monáe took the stage, treating the audience to a few classic tunes. But the party really started when the models came out to dance, Ms. Monáe kicked off her heels, and started scatting on tables. The video of the presentation shows a real success—with happy guests and a set designed to take you back in time.
Whether or not these new presentations will become the norm is left uncertain, but one thing is sure: fashion can include all. Fashion can be a means to celebrate life, different times. When serious, the way we present it can still lend itself more to an experience than to a display. When we look at fashion through a different lens, it doesn’t seem so untouchable after all.
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