Fashion shows are an opportunity for designers to show off their latest pieces. A runway show will typically include individuals modeling the designs on a catwalk. However, there are a few instances where designers go above and beyond to showcase their work in unconventional ways through runway performances.
Intertwining immersive art with the typical fashion show experience creates memorable performances in the world of fashion. Let’s take a look at a few of our personal favorite instances!
Coperni
In 2023, amidst Coperni’s spring collection show, supermodel Bella Hadid took to the runway for an unforgettable performance. In an astonishing turn of events, Hadid entered the runway unclothed. It was then there on the catwalk that a team used a sprayable liquid fiber to assemble the dress live in front of the audience.
Not only did this push the boundaries of fashion technology, but it also broke the internet as viewers were wowed by the out-of-the-box performance.
Sunnei
Another bazaar performance that took place in 2023 was by Sunnei. The show featured several models who arose from the seats of the audience, taking the crowd by surprise.
Integrating the unsuspected models into the audience captured the attention of the room, kept guests guessing, and created an all-around more engaging experience.
@cdafashionweek THE MODELS WERE IN THE AUDIENCE inconic #sunnei fashion show 🤌😇✨#fashion2023 #fashionicon
Di(vision)
Another one of viral runway performances took place in Spring 2023 on the opening day of Copenhagen fashion week. The brand Di(vision) ended their show with a bang as the final model who was sat in the audience, appeared to begin a toast before standing up and taking the tablecloth with her. The tablecloth turned out to be the train portion of the model’s skirt.
As she went to walk away, she took the table setting and half-drunken beverages with her. The brand shared the moment online, captioning the video [“what are you bringing to the table?” @sarahdahll “I am the table”]
Alexander McQueen
Boundaries may be being pushed now more than ever. However, performance art is no new concept. In spring of 1999 Alexander McQueen showcased a dress worn by Shalom Harlow standing on a spinning platform. In a shocking turn of events, two robots then began spray painting the dress.
This would go on to become one of McQueen’s most memorable runway shows.
