How did the catwalks come about?

Just like the fashion industry, runway shows have changed over time. 

For years, catwalks have been the platform par excellence for designers from around the world to present the garments that make up their new collections.

However, this tool that is so popular with fashion lovers and in which multiple talents such as models, coordinators, makeup artists, hairdressers as well as an army of producers participate, has not always been the same.

Today we review some of the key moments to understand its history and, of course, evolution.

The first steps

If we go back to the end of the 19th century, we can discover designers who made visits to the mansions of their clients: society women who dressed in the best of the time and received a retinue of fashion designers to choose what they would wear in the city.

Well, that all began to change thanks to renowned designer Charles Frederick Worth. Of British origin, he was known as one of the pioneers of haute couture and in Paris, the city to which he moved in the early years of his career, he began to use real models instead of mannequins from his own atelier.

Thus, the first steps of what we understand today as a catwalk took place. The formula was replicated by other contemporaries and by designers who came later, who in exclusive salons or hotels invited their clients to see their collections; with a commercial approach, clients could choose their favorite model and place their order.  

Magical atmosphere

In more modern times, fashion weeks have traditionally been the perfect time for big international labels and new arrivals to present their proposals.

With catwalks that have ranged from the simplest to the most extravagant, fashion capitals such as London, Paris, New York and Milan surprise the entire world year after year and generate a wealth of content that is now replicated - above all - in specialist magazines and social networks.

Digital and immersive experiences

After the pandemic, the phygital concept took over multiple industries, including fashion. Catwalks combined digital and physical aspects and today, they are betting on immersive experiences.

A clear example of this evolution is Intermoda's Fashion Space . This trade event will hold its 79th edition from July 18 to 21 and will surprise you with unpublished collections from renowned designers thanks to a production that brings together models, screens, sound design and many other details that will captivate you.