The Future of Runways: How Luxury Brands Are Innovating Shows

The traditional fashion runway show has long been the backbone of the luxury fashion industry, providing a captivating platform for brands to showcase their latest collections and captivate both industry insiders and consumers. However, as the world continues to evolve, so too are the ways in which luxury brands are choosing to present their creations.

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a surge of innovation in fashion shows, as brands seek to engage their audiences in more immersive and impactful ways. The latest example of this is Ralph Lauren’s Spring/Summer 2025 show. Rather than hosting a traditional runway show in New York City, the designer decided to show in the Hamptons NY on the eve of the opening of New York Fashion Week. The designer explained that the Hamptons has always been a source of inspiration for him and the perfect backdrop for the All-American lifestyle look the brand portrays. In addition, the show itself and backdrop were an ode to the designer’s favourite things such as horses, vintage cars and the Polo Bar.

Another interesting example of innovation in fashion shows would be Hermès’ Fall/Winter 2024 show titled “The Rider”. Creative Director, Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski, created an indoor rain spectacle over the runway. By using water-resistant leather goods, Hermès not only demonstrated their incredible craftsmanship and their dedication to practical luxury, but also this resilience, minimalism and elegance that women have, which followed the theme of the show. This show explored the question of how luxury brands can blend luxury and functionality.

Another example of a luxury brand that embraced technology is Coperni during their Spring /Summer 2023 show. Guests watched as model Bella Hadid was getting a white dress spray painted directly on her body in the middle of the catwalk. The designers of the French Label partnered up with the head of Fabricant Ltd, who invented and developed the Spray-on-Fabric, which is a patented technology that dries instantly into a non-woven fabric on any surface.

The future of luxury fashion shows is not just about creating visually stunning backdrops or incorporating the latest technologies. It’s also about fostering deeper connections with the audience and aligning the brand’s values and storytelling with the presentation of the collection. Gucci’s recent “Twinsburg” runway show, for example, celebrated the brand’s emphasis on individuality and self-expression by featuring identical twin models walking the runway together, highlighting the unique and diverse nature of the human experience.

As the luxury fashion industry continues to evolve, the pressure on brands to deliver memorable and impactful fashion shows will only intensify. By embracing innovation, technology, and a deeper understanding of their audience, luxury brands have the opportunity to redefine the future of runway presentations and captivate their customers in once unimaginable ways.
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At Outside The Box Recruitment, we have our finger on the pulse of these industry trends, and we work closely with luxury fashion brands to identify the talent and expertise needed to bring these innovative show concepts to life. From creative directors and production managers to digital experts and event specialists, we are committed to connecting our clients with the industry’s most forward-thinking and talented professionals.

Read out industry testimonials and view our client list to get a taste of the work we do in the industry.

Contact Charmain Gyles-Ferguson for a free consultation on your brand’s requirements.

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A few words about the article author

Dwayne Ferguson is Head of Digital at Outside The Box Recruitment.

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