An interesting exploration of fashion runways, but not a very immersive experience
The show started in an odd way, with the audience entering the space via a series of corridors backstage. I thought at first that this might be a reference models entering the stage, but then I was told that other shows take place in this space. So I can only assume that this was just a matter of poor architectural planning.
The show was in a nutshell a documentary about fashion runways, that was then projected across the four walls that we sat in. The documentary itself I found very interesting. It explored the of history of fashion runways and modern day specifical that it has become. The moments that I enjoyed the most was when they explored fashion shows that rebel against their elitist counterparts taking place in back alleys and making political statements. I also enjoyed the exploration of the theatrical runways that were just as much performance art as they were fashion shows. The show did a good job at charting the ever-changing world of the fashion runway and acted as a beautifully stunning archive of some of the industries most iconic moments. It was a great introduction to the world of the runway, accessible to the newbie but also still providing interest to someone who is more well versed in the fashion world.
But despite enjoying the documentary itself. I don’t feel like I gained much from experiencing as it was presented. I was left feeling like I could have just watched it on TV at home. I guess it was a way to be present with what I was watching, similar to that of a cinema experience. But it didn’t feel like it expanded that far outside of that. The different images being projected across the screens just gave me a sore neck from trying not to miss anything. Occasionally an image would spread out upon the floor, but they were only a fleeting beautiful moment. What I have enjoyed from other light shows, was very much lacking here: the interaction between the architecture of the space and the images being projected. With the venue being four white walls, there was no opportunity for this kind of relationship.
Therefore, despite the material of the show being interesting, I am left disappointed that promised to be an ‘immersive experience’, did very little to actually immerse its audience.