June 1, 2010

The future of fashion

It was during one of my searches on the internet that I found myself reading the series of interviews to well-known fashion names about the future of their business. These interviews, posted on style.com, were mmade by editor in chief, Dirk Standen.
The series of interviews: Robert Duffy (president of Marc Jacobs); Cathy Horyn (fashion critic); Hedi Slimane (former designer of Dior Homme - now focused on photography); Olivier Zham (Editor); Julie Gilhart (fashion director of Barneys New York); Alber Elbaz ( Lanvin designer); covered topics from internet, to the crisis we face, to the fast-fashion.
I recomend all interviews, and although they talk about the same subject, the six of them are in a way different since they are covered from a diffent angles, as designer, as critics, etc.
However, there are a few points that I would like to mention:
  • Fashion shows: the question made is basicly what is the role of the fashion show and its importance. I understand that society is evolving and that more and more people are using the internet, but I think that a fashion show is like a concert, and I know that certain people prefer listening to a cd in their houses away from all the crazyness, but there's also a number of people that consider concerts the ultimate way to listen to music. Just like Alber Elbaz said "There are certain things that I guess are essential. I believe there are certain things that are beautiful to leave as they are.". Call me old-fashioned but I enjoy the "live experience" instead of the online.
  • Another curious point made by Robert Duffy and that actually never occured me is the celebrity buzz. Marc Jacobs was known for having the front row full of celebrities but the same doens't happen anymore. Their fashion show stopped being about the clothes and became a question of who was there, which celebrities attended. So they reashaped their concept and now are a free celebrity zone, and the show gets the deserved attention- enjoy the good old fashion!
Thanks for reading, and highly recommend the interviews!

love,
GIAA