Vogue has unveiled a new exhibition, *Vogue: Inventing The Runway*, offering an immersive look into the world of high fashion, catwalks, and models. The interactive display, curated by Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of *Vogue*, explores the evolution of the fashion show, from its early days to today’s global spectacles.
Wintour, who has been at the helm of *American Vogue* since 1988, dedicated 18 months to bringing this exhibition to life. She described the experience as both overwhelming and nostalgic, reflecting on the profound changes in the industry over the years.
The exhibition transports visitors to major fashion capitals—Paris, Milan, New York, and London—giving them a taste of the excitement and glamour of live runway shows. For many visitors, this may be their first exposure to a fashion show, providing a rare opportunity to witness iconic moments in the industry’s history.
“I’ve been to so many shows over the years, and working on this exhibition made me incredibly nostalgic,” Wintour shared. “It also reminds me of the immense creativity in the fashion world. I hope audiences will enjoy seeing how fashion shows have reflected and influenced cultural shifts over time.”
Mark Guiducci, Vogue’s creative editorial director, also shared his thoughts. “While I’ve attended many of the shows featured in this exhibition, it’s been fascinating to work with the team on researching and recreating the ones I never had the chance to see in person,” he said. “It’s been an amazing process.”
The exhibition covers fashion shows from the 1950s to the present, showcasing how they have transformed from exclusive, private events to the large-scale spectacles we see today. Wintour highlighted how accessible fashion shows have become, with livestreams allowing audiences around the world to watch as if they were in the front row.
Narrated by two-time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett, the exhibition features over 60 renowned designers, including Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Stella McCartney, and Vivienne Westwood. Vogue’s archives, dating back to the magazine’s first issue in 1892, are also prominently featured.
“This exhibition is not just about fashion,” said Guiducci. “It’s about how fashion, whether on the runway or in the streets, mirrors broader cultural and societal trends.”
*Vogue: Inventing The Runway* is on display at Lightroom in London, where it will remain open until April 2025. The venue has previously hosted successful exhibitions, including *The Moonwalkers: A Journey With Tom Hanks* and *David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (Not Smaller & Further Away)*.
Wintour, who recently appeared at the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Awards at London’s Royal Albert Hall, continues to play a central role in shaping the global fashion landscape.
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