Anna Wintour unveils Vogue’s new exhibition tracing the rise of the fashion show
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Dame Anna Wintour has shared her thoughts on how the fashion industry has changed over the years. She explained that it used to be an exclusive, insular scene where only a select few were allowed to attend events. Now, however, the atmosphere has shifted to one that welcomes everyone, inviting them to participate, observe, and even enjoy live streams of the events.
The renowned editor-in-chief of American Vogue, a position she's held since 1988, shared that she has been feeling "somewhat sentimental" as she prepares for a new interactive exhibition in London titled Vogue: Inventing the Runway.
Taking place at Lightroom in King’s Cross, the exhibition focuses on how fashion shows have evolved into the ideal stage for showcasing a designer's artistic ideas.
Covering the period from the 1950s to today, "Inventing the Runway" looks at the transformation of fashion shows into remarkable events.
The exhibition showcases creations from over 60 designers, highlighting the talents of names like Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Burberry, Prada, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, and Louis Vuitton.
The story comes alive with the talent of Cate Blanchett, a two-time Academy Award winner, who provides her voice to take viewers on a journey through the extensive archives of Vogue, dating back to its inaugural issue in 1892.
In a variety of themed sections, guests embark on a voyage through the years and places that have shaped the history of fashion shows.
Wintour has dedicated a year and a half to putting together the exhibition, which gathers influential figures from the fashion industry to honor how the runway has influenced modern culture.
Wintour characterized her experience with the exhibition as both "intense" and "extraordinary." Mark Guiducci, the creative editorial director of Vogue, shared his thoughts on the experience, saying, "I've likely attended around ten of the shows included in this exhibition, but it has been amazing to dig into the history and recreate those I wasn't able to see, trying to picture how they unfolded."
Dame Anna shared, “Personally, I’ve attended far more shows than Mark, so it’s a very nostalgic moment for me. At the same time, it makes me proud of the incredible talent in the fashion industry. I hope that everyone enjoys witnessing how the evolution of fashion shows reflects cultural changes and significant global happenings in such a distinctive manner.”
Guiducci shared a similar viewpoint, emphasizing that "Fashion, whether it's showcased on the catwalk or found in everyday life, consistently mirrors the current events in the world. It represents a continuous conversation with broader cultural themes."
The exhibition builds on the success of The Moonwalkers: A Journey With Tom Hanks, another engaging Lightroom event voiced by the Oscar-winning actor that explored the tales of lunar space missions. Before that, the venue launched with David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (Not Smaller & Further Away) in 2023, establishing itself as a hub for innovative cultural presentations.
