For the upcoming Forces of Fashion event, Vogue editors are reminiscing about their favorite fictional fashion shows from movies and television. One editor recalls being enchanted by the high-fashion world depicted in the movie Zoolander, despite growing up in rural Canada where fashion was unfamiliar. In the film, Derek and Hansel, played by Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson, compete as not-so-bright supermodels in a comical satire of the industry. The exaggerated and dramatic catwalk moments, such as walk-offs judged by David Bowie and a garbage-themed couture collection called “Derelicte,” were particularly memorable and visually striking.
Another editor highlights the iconic fashion show scene in the hit TV show Sex and the City. In the episode titled “The Real Me,” Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, struts her stuff on the runway during a New York fashion show. The stunning outfits and fierce attitude of the models, including Carrie herself, captivated audiences and showcased the glamour and excitement of the fashion world. The scene has since become a memorable moment in television history and a classic example of fictional fashion shows that have left a lasting impact on viewers.
A third editor recalls the visually stunning and groundbreaking fashion show scene in the movie The Fifth Element, directed by Luc Besson. In the film, a futuristic and avant-garde fashion show featuring out-of-this-world designs and choreography takes center stage, captivating audiences with its creativity and imagination. The scene embodies the essence of fashion as art and showcases the power of the runway as a platform for bold and innovative expression. The visual spectacle and artistic vision of the fashion show in The Fifth Element have continued to inspire viewers and designers alike.
Another memorable fictional fashion show mentioned by Vogue editors is the iconic “Paris is Burning” ballroom scene from the documentary of the same name. The film explores the vibrant and influential ballroom culture in New York City and features elaborate and extravagant fashion shows where contestants compete in various categories. The ballroom scene in “Paris is Burning” highlights the creativity and self-expression of the LGBTQ community through fashion and performance, making a powerful statement about identity and representation in the fashion industry.
In addition to these standout fictional fashion shows, Vogue editors also mention the impact of real-life fashion events and designers on the industry. The annual Met Gala, known for its extravagant themes and celebrity attendees, has become a highly anticipated event in the fashion calendar. Designers like Alexander McQueen, known for his innovative and theatrical runway shows, have pushed boundaries and challenged traditional notions of fashion. The fusion of art, drama, and influence on the runway throughout history continues to inspire and shape the fashion world, creating unforgettable moments and captivating audiences around the globe.
As the Forces of Fashion event approaches, Vogue editors reflect on the artistry and creativity of fictional fashion shows in movies and television, celebrating the impact of these visual spectacles on popular culture and the industry. From the satirical humor of Zoolander to the high-fashion drama of Sex and the City, these fictional portrayals of the runway have captured the imagination of audiences and left a lasting impression. Whether showcasing futuristic designs in The Fifth Element or celebrating LGBTQ culture in “Paris is Burning,” these iconic fashion moments have brought art, drama, and influence to the forefront, shaping the perception of fashion and inspiring future generations of designers and creators.
