Even before Chanel brought its world class Métiers d’Art fashion show to the Northern Quarter in 2023, Manchester has always considered itself a pretty fashionable city. With plenty of independent and vintage shops, and being home to some of the biggest brands in the world, Manchester knows its en vogue from its faux pas – and now, an immersive experience is coming to town as part of Manchester International Festival‘s winter programme, showcasing the history of the iconic Vogue Magazine and its involvement in the the invention of runway fashion.
One of three large-scale 360º immersive experiences from Lightroom at Aviva Studios this winter, VOGUE: Inventing the Runway (running from 18 December – 10 January) uses Vogue‘s remarkable archive and fashion network to present an experience created in collaboration with Anna Wintour and Vogue editors, exploring the history of the fashion runway show, narrated by Cate Blanchett.
Lightroom via Vimeo
From the intimate couture salons of the early 20th century to the unforgettable pop-culture events of the present, Inventing the Runway reveals how fashion shows became the ultimate statement of a designer’s vision, and at times, a walking expression of their identity.
The experience brings together the industry’s leading voices with first hand interviews and a rich mix of media. Original animation, immersive sound design and a score fusing classical and pop music combine to evoke the world of fashion and the moments when iconic shows shifted the cultural landscape.
Mark Guiducci, Creative Editorial Director, Vogue said: “Runway shows have reflected society and its values for more than a century. We hope that Inventing the Runway gives audiences a better understanding of how those shows mirror the changes not only in fashion, but also culture at large—the arts, entertainment, technology, politics, and the ways that they’re all intertwined”.
Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director, Vogue said: “At Vogue we’ve been lucky enough over the decades to see many incredible runway shows, which have often told the story of fashion as much as the clothes themselves. This Lightroom experience is a wonderful opportunity for a lot more people to experience first hand the thrill of watching the history of fashion unfold right in front of them.”
Which brands will the VOGUE: Inventing the Runway immersive experience include?
VOGUE: Inventing the Runway will feature the work of the most significant creative minds in fashion history, including:
- Alexander McQueen
- Balenciaga
- Burberry
- Chanel
- Chloé
- Christian Dior
- Christopher John Rogers
- Comme des Garçons
- Dolce & Gabbana
- Fendi
- Givenchy
- Gucci
- Helmut Lang
- Iris Van Herpen
- Jacquemus
- Jean Paul Gaultier
- Loewe
- Louis Vuitton
- Maison Margiela
- Marc Jacobs
- Miu Miu
- Moschino
- Prada
- Rick Owens
- Saint Laurent
- Schiaparelli
- Stella McCartney
- Thierry Mugler
- Thom Browne
- Versace
- Victoria Beckham
- Vivienne Westwood
VOGUE: Inventing the Runway accompanies the return of the immensely popular David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) to Aviva Studios thanks to Lightroom, alongside new shows: Tom Hanks’ Moonwalkers and the UK premiere of Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show.
How to get tickets
VOGUE: Inventing the Runway comes to Manchester from 18 December – 10 January. Tickets are available from £10 across all shows, reflecting Factory International’s commitment to ensuring access to the widest possible audiences.
Tickets for members go on sale on Wednesday 18 June, and general sale is on Friday 20 June, here.
📍 Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ.
