Fashion Shows, Fashion Week, People Are Talking
Is Fashion’s Inclusivity Kick Working?
By Britt AboutalebFashion, perhaps more than any other industry, has been branded with the word “exclusive,” but this month the industry appears to be doing everything in its power to be anything but.
Almost every major label–or at least the most anticipated–is livestreaming their show via Nick Knight’s Showstudio or their own personal websites. Alexander Wang’s show played in the middle of Times Square, Dolce & Gabbana is going straight to your iPhone, and Henry Holland‘s let you shop from his catwalk this afternoon. Meanwhile, major industry players like Joe Zee and Julie Gilhart tweet from the front row, Style.com‘s reviews are up within hours, and an increasing number of blogs are covering fashion week first hand.
But is it working?
Do the fashion observers who don’t work in fashion feel more included? And, if this trend continues, will physical attendance become more exclusive?
One editor puts it bluntly, “If thousands of people get to feel included from the outside, than actual, inside attendance will become more and more exclusive. Otherwise, how will the important people know they’re important?”
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I think it’s great to have live stream because it gives someone who isn't “important enough” lol to view the collection just like any other editors or buyers. I get invites to viewings and showings all the time. It’s an experience like no other however we are all working for a common goal and that is to make people feel good about what they are wearing. I think this new media outlet will take time to latch on because in a way the fashion industry feels like a for “members only” club. Once fashion lovers realize that you can view Sass & Bide show live on there iphone it will become more popular. Great post!!! and Love your blog…. :-)
Fashion is still exclusive. Less exclusive but still exclusive.
I always thought that designers were taking full use of the Internet and social media because they want their collections to affect culture and not just certain sections of Bergdorf Goodman. Most of us cannot afford to buy Henry Holland or Proenza Schouler or even Alexander Wang (and if you can then good for you) so the fact that these designers are live streaming shows just shows that they are after something more than money. But in the process they are risking their creative ownership and many designers don't want to lose this so…
Yes, we can watch a live stream show on our computers or on our IPhone (I say “our” like I have one but I don't) but it's a completely different experience than actually being at the show and going to the designer's showroom and previewing his/her pieces and knowing the designer personally.
Its so interesting to see fashion journalism evolving and extending being print publications to fashion and style blogs. But I want to know what's next in this evolution (if I should call it that). What comes after this?
the funny thing is, it probably does feel more exclusive, because now more people have an idea of what actually goes on, and there's attention whereas there was less attention before. it's an easier idea to picture rather than talk about: imagine a group of people going about their business. then imagine people lined up around the edge of the room, watching the people going about their business in the center, but the only way the people lined up around the outside can communicate with the ones inside is through virtual media – not only can't they just walk up and join, but they're staring at what's happening. now imagine the same group in the center going about their business, but there's no virtual communication, and so no one is watching them at all, because it seems more irrelevant that way. therefore, yes, the more the inner workings are communicated (and the more people stop and stare), the more exclusive it seems to be in the inside. of course, there must be a tipping point. perhaps MTV might have some ideas on exactly where that threshold lies.
Fashion has been carefully dispersed to the deserving public and now the public is throwing it back with varying levels of criticism, praise, demands and desires.
“…Otherwise, how will the important people know they’re important?”
Social media and the expansion of video is quickly changing the landscape of who is important or who is perceived to be important. Will it become more exclusive? Sure the difference is who will still be exclusive enough to make the cut…more bloggers, reality tv celebs, street style photogs, top fashion tweeters…
Its an interesting landscape change that the fashion industry better get ready for…
Fashion is a bussiness like any other… the 'important people' are the customers….
And it appears that designers are taking the opportunity to show their product to as many prospective customers as possible… I say bravo for them!
Well said, Fashionable Vices! The important people ARE the customers, and if being inclusive will sell more $2000 handbags, I don't think the trend will slow anytime soon.
New media is changing the world of business including fashion. Adopting to new ways is the flexibility businesses need to stay atop of their game. Power to democratization of information!
http://www.fashionhippo.com