Reviewing Inside Vogue: Inventing the Runway Exhibition
Before the holiday season last year, the Scarlet Destiny team immersed ourselves in Inside Vogue: Inventing the Runway, a groundbreaking exhibition at Lightroom London. As champions of sustainable fashion with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and storytelling, we were eager to explore how this exhibition dissected the evolution of the runway—from exclusive salon presentations to the cultural spectacles that define fashion today. Watching a show unfold in real-time is one thing, but stepping inside the history and mechanics of runway production is another. This exhibition, a collaboration between Vogue and Lightroom, promised a sensory-driven deep dive into the spectacle of fashion’s greatest moments. But did it deliver?
A Walk Through Time: The Fashion Show as Theatre
The experience begins not on a traditional catwalk, but backstage—where the magic (and madness) of fashion week comes to life. The exhibition space is transformed into the bustling prep zone of a show, with light-up mirrors, makeup-strewn dressing tables, and directional tape marking where models should stand. A handwritten note instructs: “Models, be yourself!” It’s a charming nod to the chaos and energy behind the scenes.
But beyond this tactile opening, the exhibition shifts into a fully digital experience. A 50-minute documentary film plays out on vast projections covering every wall, immersing the audience in a visual archive of fashion’s most defining moments. From Charles Frederick Worth’s 19th-century couture salons to Pharrell Williams’ 2023 debut at Louis Vuitton, Inside Vogue spans nearly two centuries of runway history, showing how fashion has evolved from an elite pastime into a global cultural force.
The Spectacle of Fashion
If you’ve ever been captivated by a historic runway moment—McQueen’s spray-painted dress, Lagerfeld’s Chanel rocket launch, or the Truman Show-inspired Louis Vuitton set—this exhibition is a love letter to those theatrical milestones. It presents the runway as both a business tool and an artistic statement, where designers shape culture, politics, and identity through their work.
The narration, led by Cate Blanchett, adds a layer of gravitas, while commentary from industry figures, including Vogue Editors, stitches together a compelling narrative. The thematic (rather than chronological) structure allows the audience to engage with fashion’s disruptors—those who pushed boundaries and redefined what a fashion show could be.
As a brand that values storytelling and impact, Scarlet Destiny was particularly drawn to this aspect of the exhibition. Fashion is more than just aesthetics—it’s a dialogue with the world. And while our focus is on sustainability, this exhibition served as a reminder that innovation in fashion has always been about more than just clothes.
Who is Fashion For?
One of the most thought-provoking takeaways from Inside Vogue is the question it poses: Who is the fashion show for today? Once an event for wealthy clients in small salons, runway shows are now multi-million-dollar productions designed to be consumed by the masses.
In the past, fashion presentations were intimate, elegant affairs, held in private salons within couture houses or luxury hotels like The Ritz Paris. Models, known as "cabine girls," moved gracefully through the space, allowing clients to inspect every detail of the fabric, embroidery, and craftsmanship up close. These shows were not about spectacle but about exclusivity, catering to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), aristocrats, and elite society figures. Personal relationships were at the core—premières (head seamstresses) and sales associates worked closely with VIP clients, advising them on custom orders and ensuring each piece was meticulously crafted to suit the wearer’s unique style. Every garment was made-to-measure, reinforcing fashion’s roots in bespoke craftsmanship rather than mass production.
Fast forward to today, and the contrast is stark. With 1,750 guests watching Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton debut in person and over a billion tuning in via social media, the accessibility of fashion has shifted entirely. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow audiences to participate in what was once an exclusive affair—yet, paradoxically, the experience remains aspirational and elite. What was once about intimate craftsmanship is now about global spectacle.
At Scarlet Destiny, we seek to redefine luxury for a modern audience—not through couture, but through high-quality, sustainable fashion accessories that challenge traditional notions of exclusivity. While luxury was once reserved for an elite clientele, we believe in fostering a closer relationship between maker and wearer. Our accessories are designed not only to be ethically produced and enduring but also to empower individuals to engage with fashion in a way that feels both personal and responsible.
Inside Vogue reinforced this idea: fashion is no longer just for the few; it must evolve for the many. As we look toward the future, it’s clear that true luxury will not be defined by exclusivity, but by sustainability, artistry, and a deeper connection to what we wear.
Final Thoughts: A Must-See for Fashion Enthusiasts
So, was Inside Vogue worth the visit? Absolutely. While it leans more toward a cinematic experience than a traditional exhibition, it offers a beautifully curated exploration of runway history. From the early days of intimate salon shows to the high-energy productions of today, it captures the artistry, drama, and evolution of fashion in a way that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
If you’ve been—or plan to go—let us know your thoughts. As Scarlet Destiny continues to shape the future of sustainable fashion, we’ll keep drawing inspiration from fashion’s past while forging a new path for its future—one that is bold, inclusive, and ethically driven.
Sources: Voguebusiness.com, Lightroom.co.uk