In the fashion industry, fashion shows have existed long before trade shows like Who's Next which will take place from January 21 to 23, 2023.
The fashion show as we know it today has a long and varied history dating back to the 19th century. The first known fashion show is believed to have taken place in the early 1800s in Paris, France. At the time, clothing was a way for people to show off their wealth and social status, and fashion shows were held to allow designers to showcase their latest creations to the wealthy and influential people who attended.
Over the years, fashion shows have evolved considerably. In the early 20th century, for example, fashion shows became commonplace and were held in cities around the world, including New York, London and Milan. These shows were often held in large hotels or other public spaces, and were attended by members of the press and other industry professionals.
In the 1950s and 1960s, fashion shows began to move away from the purely sartorial aspect to focus on the overall experience. The shows became more theatrical, with models walking to music and sometimes even performing choreographed routines.
Today, fashion shows are an important part of the fashion industry and are held in cities around the world. They are often high-profile events that draw large crowds and are attended by fashion professionals, celebrities and members of the press. Fashion shows are now also broadcast online, allowing people from all over the world to watch them in real time.
Fashion fairs appeared later, they were also known as fashion weeks or fashion events, they are events that present the latest collections of designers and fashion brands to buyers, media and other industry professionals. These events have a long history dating back to the early 20th century.
One of the first major fashion shows was held in 1943 in New York City, when fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert organized an event called "Press Week" to introduce American fashion designers to the international press. This event, later known as New York Fashion Week, has since become one of the most important fashion shows in the world.
In the following decades, fashion shows became more common, with similar events being held in major fashion capitals around the world, such as Paris, Milan and London. These events are usually held twice a year, in the spring and fall, and feature runway shows and presentations from a wide range of designers and brands.
In recent years, the rise of digital technology has led to the emergence of virtual fashion shows and online fashion weeks, which allow designers and brands to present their collections to a global audience in a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective way.
Overall, fashion shows have played a vital role in the fashion industry, serving as a platform for designers and brands to showcase their collections to buyers, media and other industry professionals, and helping to drive the global fashion market.
A greater focus on sustainability:
In recent years, the fashion industry has placed increasing emphasis on sustainability, and this trend is likely to continue. There is a growing movement towards more sustainable practices and the fashion shows of the future are focusing more on showcasing eco-friendly and sustainable clothing and production methods (IMPACT show in Paris). Many fashion brands now use sustainable materials such as organic cotton (ANDESITES brand), recycled polyester and plant-based textiles in their clothing and accessories. These materials are often better for the environment, as their production requires fewer resources and produces less pollution. Fashion companies are also working to reduce their environmental impact by implementing more sustainable production methods. This can include using renewable energy sources, reducing water consumption (ANDESITES jeans), minimizing waste and producing locally (DEVOTION TWINS brand). In the future, it is likely that the fashion industry will continue to focus on sustainability and explore new ways to reduce its impact on the environment as the SISSEL EDELBO brand is already doing by recycling and redesigning clothes.
Increased use of technology:
While technology is already playing an important role in fashion shows, with the rise of virtual fashion weeks and online fashion events. The fashion industry has embraced social media as a way to reach out and connect with consumers, promote their products and events, and keep up with industry trends and developments. Fashion brands, designers and other industry professionals are using platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Twitter to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of their work, showcase their collections and engage with their followers. In the future the fashion industry will continue to use social media in the same way, but that it will also explore new and innovative ways to leverage these platforms. For example, there could be greater use of augmented reality and other interactive features that allow users to virtually try on clothing or accessories. Brands can also use social media to gather consumer feedback and insights, as well as to track and react to industry trends in real time. Overall, social media will likely continue to play a central role in the fashion industry, both as a marketing tool and as a way for industry professionals to connect and collaborate with one another.
Greater inclusion and diversity:
The fashion industry is pushing for greater inclusion and diversity, and it is likely that this will be reflected in fashion shows as well. This could mean more designers and brands from diverse backgrounds being represented at these events.
Many fashion brands only offer limited size ranges, which can exclude a significant portion of the population. Expanding the size ranges and offering clothing that is more tailored to different body types would be a step towards greater inclusion in the industry. The fashion industry has a history of using homogeneous groups of models in its marketing and advertising campaigns. Including more diverse models in these campaigns could help to better represent the diverse consumer population.
Expansion into new markets:
As the fashion industry continues to globalize, it is possible that fashion shows will expand into new markets and regions of the world. This could include the emergence of new fashion weeks in countries that are currently underrepresented in the global fashion market.
Here's a quick summary for this first blog on the evolution of the fashion industry on the eve of the first fashion shows of the year 2023. For this month of January, about 100 shows will be held around the world, from the wedding show in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) to the Indian Fashion and Lifestyle Show in Lucknow (India). To conclude in perspective of my next papers, here is what could illustrate in poetry the choice of the brand and the values for Le Showroom Trendsetteuse Paris ;
"Fashion, a universal language
that crosses borders and countries
From Sweden to Japan
From France to the United States
Every nation has its own look
And its own trends to share
Scottish tweed, Chinese silk
Italian leather, American denim
Fashion is a way to express yourself
and to open up to the world
So dress up in your best clothes
And let your style soar
From one country to another, from one continent to another
Fashion is a bridge to diversity
So wear it with pride
And celebrate your uniqueness "