Dear Shaded Viewers,
I’ve listened to many of SHOWstudio panels over the years but this one is particularly relevant . Clearly it was done during lockdown and it remains to be seen if big brands outside of the likes of GUCCI and Saint Laurent, which have already taken actions for the future in a good way, will learn from what our planet is crying and trying to make them understand.
Panel: Harris Elliott, Kat Davey of Liberte Productions, Richard Thornn of NAMES ldn, sound designer Michel Gaubert and imagemaker Nick Knight discuss the future of the fashion show, as the global pandemic prevents physical presentations from taking place.
Thornn’s work in the digital sphere creating virtual spaces for emerging designers like Duran Lantink creates a compelling alternative to expensive physical shows, the latter of which Knight notes is no longer palatable in today’s climate. Elliott asks how to consider the fashion show as a way to react to and comment on contemporary issues, such as the ongoing protests against police brutality across the world. Davey pointing out that digital is often seen as a quicker, cheaper option than the physical, yet that is not the case. Gaubert explains that physicality is an important dimension of the show which cannot yet be digitalised, yet all panellists and chair are excited for the future of the fashion show, whatever form it might take.
Established in November 2000, SHOWstudio is an award-winning fashion website, founded and directed by Nick Knight, that has defined the manner in which fashion is presented via the Internet. A pioneer of fashion film and live fashion broadcasting, SHOWstudio is now recognised as the leading force behind these mediums, offering a unique platform to nurture and encourage fashion to engage with moving image in the digital age. In its documentation of fashion and the arts, SHOWstudio has collaborated with pop culture icons and creatives including Tracey Emin, Lady Gaga, John Galliano, Kate Moss, Alexander McQueen, Charles Jeffrey, Gareth Pugh and many more.
