The Importance Of Movement On The Runway
A fashion runway show serves multiple purposes beyond simply being a platform for designers to showcase their latest collections. The runway acts as a stage on which a designer is meant to facilitate a story with his garments through the art of motion. Movement on the runway is imperative to the success of a show and shouldn’t be taken lightly; compelling motion adds expression, vitality, and is dynamic when executed properly. Multiple factors are integral to efficient movement, but the role the designer, the model, the garment, and production value play is substantial in particular. Enhancing the performance value of a runway show can only be accomplished if each of these things are well thought out and work together cohesively.
When a model walks the runway, the way in which the garments they’re wearing come to life must tell a story and visualize a concept. Components such as drapery, intricate detailing, and the garment’s relation to the model’s body become especially emphasized through the motion displayed. The audience gets to see the complexities of how a garment corresponds to the body and conforms to it, which would not be seen or received the proper way if the model was simply standing still. Audience interpretation becomes more open and the interest is piqued as to how a garment is constructed and what materials were used to create them.
Certain aspects of a garment can be easily missed or overlooked if the movement is inconsistent. Anok Yai closing the Mugler Spring/Summer 2024 show in Paris is one such example of this. Her pacing and restraint allows the audience to see the dynamic nature of her look, specifically the fabric flowing behind her and how the garment conforms to her body so flawlessly. The visuals, music, and ambience complementing Anok’s walk lets the audience conceptualize and appreciate the overall experience created.
The purpose of fashion runway shows has gotten lost in translation over the past few decades, but the industry need not forget. Fashion shows today are not just simply for displaying your clothing, you must formulate an entire experience surrounding this or run the risk of losing attention. Knowing how to captivate an audience today is key, especially in a world with such a short attention span; it’s imperative that once a show starts and a model struts down the runway that the behind it is comprehensible.
Fashion is a medium in which to express one’s artistic ability at the end of the day, so the execution of movement on the runway acts as a tool to convey the essence and theme of the show. The model’s walk and the movement go hand in hand; a slow, eased walk is reflective of a more elegance theme, whereas a fast-paced, high energy walk is indicative of a lively and dynamic vibe. Movement is communicated best through the overall production value on a runway and immediately captivates the eye.
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