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Curated by Rose Coffey

Whilst considering the social cycle theory and theorising that in fashion and pop culture, trends resurface every twenty to thirty years, revisiting fashion shows at the turn of the century seems particularly relevant in light of current change. In anticipation of another drastic adjustment to the relatively young genre of runways, we could argue that in the decade the internet was created, fashion showcasing took a giant leap towards conceptual innovation. From the rise of the internet and other advances in science and technology, futurism (both anxiety surrounding technological change and desire for a more optimised and connected world) provided a conceptual framework and imbued collections with even more meaning.  Fashion Historian Caroline Evans identifies the “layering and cross-referencing of images from the past and an imagined future” a technique which many designers used to historicise the present. Ranging Margiela’s performative installations to McQueen’s runway displays investigating the powers and potential of new media and technology; many speculated that fashion showcasing would move into a more digitalised realm with current trends suggesting that the future of fashion is digital, intersectional and experimental.

Bibliography:
Evans, C. and Edwards, C., 2003. Fashion at the edge: spectacle, modernity and deathliness. Yale University press. 9.