Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show A to Z

An encyclopedic exploration of all facets of the fashion show, from its beginnings circa 1900 to the present day.

Fashion shows are special moments in the fashion industry: simultaneously ritualistic and dreamlike, both commercial and poetic. Their images spread across the globe in real time, shaping our cultural memory. Stage design, performance, clothing, light and sound come together to form a temporary Gesamtkunstwerk―a comprehensive artwork.

Catwalk offers a look behind-the-scenes and explores the fascinating evolution of the fashion show: from its modest beginnings in couturiers' salons around 1900 to the spectacular presentations of the 21st century; from haute couture to prêt-à-porter; from the era of supermodels to the celebration of diversity; from classic catwalk photography to the virtual fashion show. The exhibition catalog is conceived as an encyclopedic A to Z and sheds light on the fashion show phenomenon and its history in all its facets, from backstage to front row, from model to performance, from pose to vogueing. In text contributions and interviews, the book gives numerous experts and protagonists from the fashion world a chance to have their say. Illustrations range from archival materials and fashion show ephemera to backstage and catwalk photography.