different types of fashion shows

Directional: Balenciaga and Prada often fall into this category; they set the trends for upcoming seasons via forward-thinking design. For FW2010, Prada’s focus on the bust/voluptuousness was mirrored by only LV. In the next few seasons, I guarantee it will be a dominant trend.

Thematic: Jeremy Scott is the perfect example. Collection titles like “Men at Work” and “Food Fight” perfectly conjure their subject matter; each piece becomes a variation on a specific theme. Often, the outcome is an extremely focused offering, but they sometimes veer into “kitschy” territory, too.

Commercial: Frida Giannini at Gucci comes to mind here. These collections, while sometimes slightly thematic, are created with the sole idea of “sell, sell, sell” in mind.

Derivative: Not too different from “thematic,” these shows are often homages to house archives (a la Dior or Chanel), or an ode to a particular era.

Technical: Although typically in the realm of couture, every once in a while a more esoteric RTW brand will flaunt their craftsmanship skillz as a theme. Rodarte is a great example. The “slasher” theme in FW2008 is exemplified here in artistic tatters and perfectly draped swatches of crimson.