The rhythmic pulse of a carefully curated soundtrack can elevate a simple runway into an immersive experience. Sound design in runway shows is not an afterthought—it’s a crucial element in the narrative, setting the tone and tempo for the designer’s creative vision to unfold.
Consider Burberry’s Spring Summer 2023 Ready-to-Wear show, where Riccardo Tisci bid farewell to the iconic British brand. As models glided down the runway, the air vibrated with the soaring vocals of American soprano Nadine Sierra, accompanied by the London Contemporary Orchestra. This operatic soundtrack, composed by Welsh musician Paul Mealor, created a dramatic tension between the contemporary designs and the classical score.
In contrast, Comme des Garçons’ Spring Summer 2023 Ready-to-Wear show embraced a more avant-garde approach to sound design. The collection was presented to a “vortex of strings,” an auditory whirlwind that perfectly complemented Rei Kawakubo’s sculptural creations. This swirling soundscape created an atmosphere of controlled chaos.
The significance of sound design in fashion shows has grown in recent years. Modern runway shows are precisely choreographed events, often lasting no longer than 15 minutes. This condensed format necessitates a more impactful audio component. Today’s fashion sound designers are tasked with creating an auditory experience that is linked to the visual spectacle. Their role has evolved from selecting background tracks to crafting immersive soundscapes that amplifies the narrative.
As technology continues to advance, we can anticipate even more groundbreaking approaches to sound design in fashion shows. Interactive audio experiences and personalized soundtracks may soon become commonplace. Sound design has become an indispensable tool for designers to articulate their creative vision. It’s now about creating a sensory experience that resonates with the audience long after curtain call.
