Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show is a new exhibition on display from 18 October until 15 February 2026 at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany.
The exhibition explores the history and cultural significance of the runway, tracing its evolution from its beginnings around 1900 to the present day.
It brings together landmark examples from fashion houses such as Balenciaga, Dior, Gucci, Helmut Lang, Martin Margiela, Prada, Viktor & Rolf, Louis Vuitton, Yohji Yamamoto and others, and covers landmark moments, from the theatrical spectacles of Alexander McQueen and Hussein Chalayan to dramatic settings such as a staged rocket launch at Chanel or the Great Wall of China at Fendi, all the way to digital shows during the pandemic.
Featuring film and photographic material, original collection pieces, stage props and archival documents, the exhibition gives voice to those involved in the fashion show system, including designers, models, buyers and journalists, while also looking behind the scenes and on the making of the glamorous stagings.
Following its premiere at the Vitra Design Museum, the exhibition will travel to the V&A Dundee in Scotland and other international institutions.
