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What's the purpose of fashion shows?

Sway23

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It seems like 95% of the outfits seen at a fashion show are so over-the-top, that no one would ever wear them in the real world. What exactly is the reason for this? Are most of these fashion pieces just concepts/inspirations, kinda like the idea of showing non-production concept cars at an autoshow? Is it to draw more attention to the show? Would a fashion show with more wearable pieces be too "boring"?
 

Geowu

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yea, maybe it's all about public image. And to officially introduce a new season's collection/inspiration.
 

Garrett

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My guess is designers create that over the top stuff to draw more attention to their more wearable designs. I dont think most of that stuff was ever meant to be worn anywhere besides the fashion show.
 

hermes

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stache is basically correct

sometimes they are designed to be outlandish on purpose, simply to get the designer's name into the press - whether it be print or your local television newscast

and although you won't generally find half of what is shown on a runway for sale, it brings name recognition so you'll go buy cologne or a pair of jeans or a wallet from that designer

accessories and cologne is where some designers make 80% of their profit, clothing is just a loss leader
 

ken

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It's art. Designers are artists. Most modern art is "over the top."

I'm pretty sure they do put most of their pieces that appear on a runway show on the market. But the pieces aren't put together the same on the street as they are on the runway. So they look more pedestrian.

Who would want to go to a show whose models wear the same stuff you just saw on the street?
 

Brian SD

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I'm with Ken, I think most everything on the runway is also for sale - it just doesn't look so crazy when it's not put together that way with the makeup and the 37 layers or the sizing. Look at Etro for example - their runways are rediculous but even on the models you can pick out some jackets and things that would be extremely wearable.
 

Mr. Xristo

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accessories and cologne is where some designers make 80% of their profit, clothing is just a loss leader
I believe it.. My Chanel Egoiste runs about $70 a bottle.. jeesh.. not bad for something you essentially squirt away.. lol..
 

Sevcom

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The shows are first and foremost about generating flash and giving buyers and the press an idea of what the season's look will be. But a lot of designs make it from show to store--after changing to some degree.

I can't find the article now, but the piece I'm thinking of discussed this very phenomenon. One example it cited was a Gucci/Versace/therebouts python jacket that was converted to a less expensive material for retail. Sometimes the cut or length or other aspect is altered as well. I think it also mentioned DB suits being made into SBs for mass consumption, but I'm not sure how accurate that is.
 

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