How the Front Row Became the Front Row | Vogue

Over the past 75 years, fashion shows have evolved from intimate presentations to global spectacles. Vogue takes a look at the rich history of fashion’s illustrious front row. Dior’s 1950s “New Look” revolutionized femininity, while the ’60s embraced individual freedom and exclusivity. The ’70s introduced cultural influencers and turned shows into entertainment, paving the way for the extravagant glamour of the ’80s. By the ’90s, mainstream appeal dominated, and the 2000s saw celebrities strategically claim the front row. The rise of influencers in the 2010s, fueled by social media, democratized access to Fashion Week. Even as the pandemic briefly halted live shows, the industry adapted and returned. Today, the front row itself has become part of the spectacle with celebrities like Kylie Jenner wearing the same outfit we also see on the runway.

Director: Catherine Orchard
Editors: Evan Allan, Ryan Jeffrey
Producers: Rahel Gebreyes, Bety Dereje
Archival Researcher: Lilli Karkowski
Writer: Laia Garcia-Furtado
Associate Producer: Marisah Yazbek
Creative Production Coordinator: Anisa Kennar
Production Coordinators: Ava Kashar, Tanía Jones
Production Manager: Natasha Soto-Albors
Line Producer: Romeeka Powell
Senior Director, Production Management: Jessica Schier
Assistant Editors: Fynn Lithgow, Justin Symonds
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Art & Graphics Lead: Léa Kichler
Supervising Editor: Erica DeLeo
Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch
Associate Director, Post Production: Nicholas Ascanio
Director, Content Production: Rahel Gebreyes
Senior Director, Video: Romy van den Broeke
Senior Director, Programming: Linda Gittleson
VP, Video Programming: Thespena Guatieri
Footage Courtesy of Video Fashion
Image Courtesy of Steven Meisel