Runway Rhythms
Credit: Vogue
A fashion show isn’t just about the clothes; it’s about the entire atmosphere, from the guests to the decorations and lighting; everything is curated to perfection. Music plays an integral role in shaping that, and the right soundtrack can entirely change the mood. Whether it’s dramatic classical compositions or high-energy electronic beats, some shows get it just right. Here are five of my favorite runway music moments that did just that.
Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1998
This is one of my all-time favorite Dior shows, capturing the theatrical essence and grandeur that creative director John Galliano brought to the house. The soundtrack is a bold blend of classical music layered with electronic beats, creating the feel of a radically modern opera. The clothes match that same intensity with voluminous silhouettes, rich textures, and intricate embellishments. The finale (13:49) is especially breathtaking, as the music swells with the models’ regal presence on the runway steps while paper butterflies rain onto them. Combining sound and movement turned this show into more than just fashion; it was a performance.
Versace Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 2008
Versace’s Spring/Summer 2008 collection is pure, unapologetic glamour and femininity. This show featured bold colors, shining fabrics, and the sensual nature that the house is known for. The energy of the show shifted into high gear at around the seven-minute mark when Mason’s “Perfect (Exceeder)” starts playing. This pulsating electro-house track, which has had a resurgence of popularity in 2023 thanks to the film, Saltburn, perfectly matches the confidently, sexy vibe of the collection. As the models strut in undeniably Versace-esque dresses and gowns of every color in the rainbow, the blend of music and fashion created a moment that is still discussed fondly in fashion history.
Maison Margiela Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024
This show is hauntingly beautiful from the very first note. It starts with melancholic piano chords that slowly build into something more intense and cinematic, setting with an eerie yet thrilling tone that lingers throughout. The models, looking like broken porcelain dolls with ghostly makeup, special thanks to the makeup artist Pat McGrath, and highly structured garments, move in a way that feels unreal. At 6:35, the show takes an additional unsettling turn as the models contort, bend, and move in a way that feels puppet-like. The music remains purely instrumental, ensuring that nothing distracts from the avant-garde spectacle unfolding in front of the audience. This wasn’t just a fashion show; it was an immersive experience, and without a doubt, my favorite show of recent times.
Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-to-Wear
Few fashion moments are as iconic as Alexander McQueen’s Spring/Summer 2010 show, the moment where the world heard Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” for the first time. Some described the collection as underwhelming for McQueen, but I thought that the collection itself was a stunning fusion of futurism with the signature McQueen theatrically, perfectly fit for Lady Gaga. The finale at 12:52 is, in my opinion, unforgettable, as the models march in almost perfect unison as the world hears, for the first time, what is now an iconic song. It was one of those moments where fashion and music collided together to create something truly transcendent of both art forms.
Louis Vuitton Men’s Spring/Summer 2019
The late Virgil Abloh’s debut collection for Louis Vuitton was more than just a show; it was a cultural reset. As the brand's first Black artistic and creative director, Abloh brought a fresh perspective, blending streetwear with high fashion in a way that felt new, groundbreaking, and deeply personal. The music helped set the tone and featured a live band (visible at 7:59 and other moments) performing a mix of rock, jazz, rap, and more lo-fi beats. The eclectic music choices mirrored the collection itself, which ranged from impeccably tailored suits to effortless streetwear, all presented in striking colors and shades on a rainbow runway. While reactions to the collection were mixed (I, personally, really liked it), the music added another depth that made the show unforgettable, solidifying Abloh’s legacy at Louis Vuitton.