Runway Recognition

Some say it takes away from the clothes, some say that it is only needed when a collection is weak and then there are the very few that are in favor of the theatrical powered runway. I am 50-50. Yes, I do believe that it can distract the attention away from the clothes but is a runway show really staged to sell clothes? Does not the runway exist to sell an image, a brand, a feeling, a fantasy? And if the stage can take away from the clothes so can the hair, make-up and accessories, not to mention the front row filled with A-list celebrities and/or A-list editors, buyers, stylists and the like. If we are trying to get viewers to buy into the complete package, then I think the runway in itself holds its own powerful message. I feel that it is an important part of the production that should not go ignored. I do not think enough recognition is given to the stage. If we give so much attention to the other factors (i.e. hair, make-up, accessories, front row, etc.) then I think that a little more attention ought to be placed on the stage. Looking through style.com (or any other runway reporting service), there are sections devoted to the aforementioned factors, yet not the stage. And to that, I think that the runway stage deserve some credit of its own.

Dsquared: An Italian seaside cafe complete with waiter service

Christian Lacroix: Bright green AstroTurf-like runway

Vivienne Tam: Graffiti-like doodle backdrop

Viktor & Rolf: An orchestra, ballroom dancers and chandeliers

Hussien Chalayan: A fashion time clock

Yves St Laurent: Purple violas

Alexander McQueen: At the Cirque d'hiver

Hermes: A docked cruise ship

Photos: style.com, gettyimages.com