The exhibition weaves a thread through the most iconic runway moments. The origins of the fashion show can be traced back to Charles Frederick Worth, who was the first to present his couture designs on live models in the mid-19th century, and Paul Poiret, who experimented with certain theatrical elements. After World War II, fashion moved from the salon into the real world thanks to Christian Dior’s New Look, which became an overnight success.

The pace of magazine coverage accelerated in the 1960s, models became household names in the 1990s, and the internet invited the public into the world of fashion in the noughties. Show destinations have gone from small salons to historic sites like the Great Wall of China (which Karl Lagerfeld used as a runway for Fendi in 2007), important markets like Mumbai (Dior) and Rio (Louis Vuitton) or community plays (like Martine Rose’s show in Camden or Kerby Jean-Raymond’s Pyer Moss show in Brooklyn).

“The evolution of the show and that intersection between meeting that big picture cultural moment versus creating a true standout moment — I think you can see how that’s evolved,” says Ingham, adding that the segment on fashion’s disruptors was her personal favourite.

The exhibition is divided by theme rather than chronologically — an intentional decision to ensure the audience - on social media - attending can enter and engage with the story at any point.

Courtesy: Vogue Business