Fashion Education: Rewind on the Most Iconic Fashion Shows of the 2010s
Photo: Original Graphic by Erica Capobianco; photo credits to Vogue Runway
Fashion lovers, get ready because class is in session!
Fall is among us and back to school season is in full force. That being said- fashion lovers, get ready, because class is officially in session!
Today’s discussion: ‘Five Defining Fashion Shows of the 2010s.’
While many of us may be disappointed by the untraditional fashion month approaching, there are a plethora of past shows still deserving of our attention. This curation of past shows, from thematic concepts and sets to designer debuts and exits, truly left an impressionable mark on the industry.
Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2010
Photo: Courtesy of Vogue Runway
Alexander McQueen’s Spring/Summer 2010 show entitled, “Plato’s Atlantis” was McQueen’s last show he would attend before his tragic and unprecedented death. This show was an interpretation of the fictional and allegorical island of Atlantis, mentioned in Plato's works of Timaeus and Critias. McQueen’s shows always created a spectacle in its thematic concepts, and “Plato’s Atlantis” would be no exception, and even a favorite among the fashion community.
The intricacy of the technology, combining both visual effects and robot mounted cameras revealing the live audience, created something truly mesmerizing. The collection itself took inspiration from aquatic animals with the unique usage of reptile skins. The clunky 12-inch stilettos coined the “Armadillo Shoes,” later borrowed by Lady Gaga herself, truly defined the impact McQueen would have on popular culture of the 2010s.
The Takeaway: McQueen’s genius creativity and shock factor presentations are always worth looking back on. His influence in the fashion world and beyond continues to live on through pop culture music, film, and television. And if you’re curious to see the Armadillo Shoes in action, revisit Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance music video.
You can view the complete collection here.
Alessandro Michele’s Debut at Gucci, Fall 2015
Photo: Courtesy of Vogue Runway
At a time where Gucci was about to become another lost fashion house, Alessandro Michele’s unlikely debut as Creative Director at Gucci was a moment the fashion world would never forget!
Opposed to the brand’s Italian sophisticated and aristocratic heritage, Michele introduced his modern and eccentric Gucci brand. While many were skeptical of a new-comer taking on one of the biggest fashion houses, Michele revitalized an almost dead brand with beloved eclectic and maximalist fashion.
In his debut collection, Michele would already begin to blur the lines of masculine and feminine stereotypes in his choice of styling the collection. His designs would be worn by numerous celebrities from the red carpet to the MET Gala, creating some of the most awestruck moments in the last decade of fashion.
The Takeaway: Thanks to Michele, fashion was influenced to ditch its minimalistic and streamlined approach. Sheer fabrics, furs, use of bold and bright colors, mixing patterns, and pussycat bows all found their way in the late 2010s fashion!
You can view the full collection here.
Chanel Spring 2016 Ready to Wear Prepares for Take-off!
Photo: Courtesy of Vogue Runway
It would be impossible to talk about fashion shows, without acknowledging the extravagant set designs from Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel. From recreating a French country house to a supermarket, Chanel transports their show attendees in the Grand Palais in Paris into a fantastical and aspirational world.
For the Spring/Summer 2016 collection, attendees were prepared for take-off to new heights and destinations at Chanel Airlines. The set included everything from check-in kiosks and ticket officers to branded luggage.
The collection, itself, showed how to travel in absolute style and luxury with the brand’s traditional tweed suits doubling as travel suits and a twist on their own track suits and athleisure.
The Takeaway: Fashion has always been a sort of escape from reality and there is truly no one else who knows how to create a luxurious, fantastical world like Chanel.
You can view the full collection here.
Raf Simon’s Calvin Klein Take on Horror Americana, Spring Summer 2018
Photo: Courtesy of WWD
While Simon’s run at the iconic American brand was short-lived, his second, and quite provocative, show made an impressive impact on the industry.
For those who may be unfamiliar, prior to his brief time at Calvin Klein, Raf Simons acted as the Creative Director at Jil Sander and then Christian Dior, while continuing his own line. Earlier this year, it was announced he would act as the Co-Creative Director for Prada, alongside Muccia Prada.
Back to this collection, Raf Simon took inspiration from the juxtaposing concepts of the American Dream and classic American Horror. In his show notes, he would include how the Hollywood Horror genre depicts “both an American nightmare, and the all-powerful American dream.”
The Takeaway: Raf Simons certainly brought plenty of media attention to his Calvin Klein, and even began to position it as a high fashion brand. Despite his brief time at the brand, through his collections and provocative shows, his social commentary certainly something worth celebrating.
You can view the full collection here.
Versace Spring Summer 2018 Welcomes Back the Big Five
Photo: Courtesy of Vogue Runway
For the 20th Anniversary of Gianni Versace’s death, current Creative Director, Donatella Versace paid tribute to her late brother in a variety of ways.
First, the show was set at the Milan’s Triennale museum, as a “tribute to Gianni’s inspirations and creations.” As for the garments themselves, Donatella pulled key archival prints and pieces from 1991-1995, the years of Gianni’s most notable collections.
But perhaps the most memorable moment of the show was the finale, which featured the Big Five & Original Supermodels, Naomi Campbell, Carla Bruni, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Helena Christensen strutting the runway led by Donatella, herself!
The Takeaway: While the world has fallen in love with a new era of models including, Kaia Gerber and the Hadid Sisters, there is nothing like seeing the industry’s most beloved supermodels come together for such a special moment!
You can view the full collection here.