For those with a passion for fashion, we eagerly anticipate the ‘Big Four’ Fashion Weeks. It dictates what’s in, what’s out and who the next it-girl is. However, the runway world has fallen from grace. Recent fashion shows have been nothing but a disappointment, and we are not happy. Boring clothes, boring music, boring sets and boring models! It’s time for a runway renaissance.
When we think of the runway models, some of the biggest names that come to mind are Naomi Campbell, Shalom Harlow, Kate Moss and more. This era of runway fashion has abruptly ended, ushering in a new era of nepo-models. The golden years of runway shows are behind us, and we are entering a fashion-flop era.
This year’s New York Fashion Week and the Spring/Summer 2024 weeks in Europe could have revolutionized the fashion industry. Our society runs on a hamster wheel of nostalgia, constantly chasing the next trend and making what’s old, new. When speaking to those interested in fashion, the general consensus is to bring back the ‘90s runway!
The ‘90s were not only a pivotal point in the fashion industry, but also a reset for runways as a whole. We watched the rise of some of history’s most beautiful models. Their presence on the runways and in fashion campaigns created memorable moments that are often nostalgic for those who grew up during that era.
We also witnessed the diversification of mainstream fashion. The ‘90s was a time of cultural and societal shifts, where fashion reflected these changes. Runways became a platform for expressing individuality, breaking traditional norms and embracing a more casual and rebellious style. This was also a decade of diverse fashion movements, ranging from grunge and minimalism to bold and eclectic styles. This variety and experimentation contributed to a sense of creativity and uniqueness on the runways.
As these fashion subcultures re-emerge into popularity in 2024, designers, models and set-directors could have used this as a way to gain notoriety and praise. Instead, we witnessed some of the most disappointing releases in recent times. Models lack energy, designers lack glamor and over all the runway shows this year were nothing special to look at. I would go as far as to say they weren’t criticized harshly enough.
Bring back when haute couture was haute! We want glitz, glamor and bold fashion statements that make sense and correlate with the look. No more of these outlandish looks that serve no purpose other than shock value: the fashion girlies want fashion!
The current state of the fashion runway has left enthusiasts yearning for the bygone era of the ’90s; a time that represented not only a pivotal point in the fashion industry but also a renaissance for runway shows as a whole. The desire is not merely for a throwback to the past,
but for a reinvention of the runway—a return to the era when haute couture was truly haute, with fashion statements that resonated with a purpose. The plea is for a runway renaissance that goes beyond shock value, focusing instead on delivering the fashion brilliance that captivates and inspires.
