Embracing Tech is Key to Revolutionizing the Runway

To this day, fashion shows are more popular than ever. People love to tune in to see them, and designers from around the world often attend events in hopes of getting a positive audience response to their latest clothing items. That said, if the runway is to evolve, technology needs to be embraced.

Increasing Audience Participation

To elevate the experience, live audience participation could be incorporated. Moving forward, it may be that viewers vote on their favorite look, or even suggest different combinations as the show is happening. This could influence how pieces are styled on the runway, or even which look ends up reaching the final show.

Live chat options, where designers or models answer questions between walks, could also be a good way to move forward. This could all work in a very similar way to when you play casino games with live dealers. When playing certain games like live roulette, there are often interactive buttons that allow you to bet on red or black, as well as odds and events. When the button is pressed, the live dealer receives the response and spins the wheel, or deals a set of cards. Payouts are all automated, meaning that the live experience isn’t stalled, and the experience is fluid. Fashion shows could utilize this same format, with the runway taking place live and in real-time, but with interactive elements or buttons, that allow for audience participation.

Making Items Purchasable Through Live Streams

Another way that fashion runways could be elevated is if there was a shoppable stream. It may be that viewers can click on an outfit in real time, as the model is walking down the runway. Viewers may be able to see information about that clothing item, or pre-order it right from the stream. This would mean more money for designers, and it would also provide a live feed regarding how fashionable or popular a particular design is. 

Using AR technology could also be a good investment here, as viewers could “try on” any clothing items using their device, as they are watching the show. Not only would this make the experience more interactive, but it would also allow people to get closer to the clothing items they are viewing. AR technology is already prominent in the retail sector with virtual wardrobes, so it wouldn’t be hard to see things being taken one step further. Immersive VR experiences could also be incorporated with fashion shows, with viewers able to virtually choose their seats, or even take a trip backstage. This could pave the way for exploring the creative process, such as how models get ready, how outfits are chosen, and more.

This would work especially well if interactive visuals are incorporated as an overlay, as the whole stream would be much more immersive, and it would also give people the chance to get closer to the brands and designers that they know and love. Things like this could also lead to more people having an interest in fashion, which would bolster the sector while revolutionizing the runaway for years to come.