Fashion icon Anna Wintour has shared her thoughts on the experience of recreating iconic catwalks for the immersive exhibition *Vogue: Inventing The Runway*. The exhibition, which took over 18 months to develop, has been a “remarkable” yet “overwhelming” journey, according to Wintour, who has been the editor-in-chief of *Vogue* since 1988.
Narrated by Cate Blanchett, the exhibit draws from *Vogue’s* rich archive, dating back to its debut in 1892. It features key voices from the fashion industry to trace the evolution of the fashion show. The exhibition highlights the role of the runway as the ultimate platform for designers to present their creative visions.
Located at Lightroom in King’s Cross, London, the exhibit includes some of the biggest names in fashion, such as Gucci, Chanel, Christian Dior, and Prada. It also showcases emerging designers like Martine Rose and Simon Porte Jacquemus, known for his iconic tiny bags and oversized hats.
Mark Guiducci, *Vogue’s* creative editorial director, expressed excitement about working on the exhibition, especially in researching and recreating shows he had never attended. “It’s been amazing to imagine what those shows were like,” he said.
The exhibition also honors designers like Dries van Noten, who recently concluded his long career with a final runway show for his label.
Wintour, reflecting on her own vast experience at fashion shows, described the project as “quite nostalgic.” She added, “It makes one so proud of the creativity in the fashion world,” and expressed hope that the exhibition will help audiences appreciate the evolution of the fashion show and its role in reflecting cultural shifts.
The exhibition spans decades of fashion history, from the 1950s to the present day. Wintour noted how fashion shows have transformed from small, exclusive events to the grand spectacles they are today, where anyone can view the action either in person or via livestream.
The exhibition immerses visitors with large-scale projections of catwalks on the venue’s four-story walls, providing a unique view of the fashion world across different locations and eras. As Guiducci put it, “Fashion, whether it’s on the runway or in the street, is always a reflection of what’s happening in the world at large.”
This groundbreaking exhibit invites fashion lovers to witness the changing face of the industry and appreciate the cultural significance of the runway.
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