(Runway)

This Is What Fashion Week Has Looked Like For The Last 100 Years

Peer back through some of the best runway moments of all time.

by Aemilia Madden
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Jean Patou 1922

French fashion designer Jean Patou launched his eponymous brand after moving to Paris in 1910 to become a couturier. Patou is known for helping to end the era of flapper fashion and is thought to have invented the tennis skirt.

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Christian Dior 1948

The iconic French fashion label was founded in 1946 and founder Christian Dior was known for sharp tailoring and sweeping skirts — a romantic alternative to the streamlined looks women wore during World War II.

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Schiaparelli 1952

Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli founded her label in 1927 and became best known for her creative and quirky designs in partnership with artists like Salvador Dalí and Alberto Giacometti.

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Paco Rabanne 1967

Spanish designer Francisco Rabaneda Cuervo grew into popularity during the '60s, most notably for his armor-like metal dresses.

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Pierre Cardin 1974

The avant-garde designs of Pierre Cardin made a splash during the '70s, a time when a new mod aesthetic began to take shape.

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Yves Saint Laurent 1977

A protégé of Christian Dior, Saint Laurent was most iconically known for his Le Smoking suit, first debuted in 1965. But, his work during the '70s was destined for a jet-setting client.

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Lanvin Fall/Winter 1977

Soft floaty gowns were the signature of French designer Jules-Francois Crahay during his time at Lanvin.

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Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1979

Founded in 1952, the house of Givenchy was a favorite of Audrey Hepburn and was known for its elegant simplicity including the introduction of the shirtdress in 1955.

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Issey Miyake Fall/Winter 1980

Miyake's iconic breastplate was worn by Grace Jones performing 'I Need A Man'.

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Emanuel Ungaro 1983

First working for Balenciaga and Courreges, Ungaro launched his own label in 1965. He was known for his expert draping and floating gowns.

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Chanel Spring/Summer 1992

Creative director Karl Lagerfeld was known for his lavish sets and over-the-top collections for Chanel. Fans still revel in quirky pieces like Chanel-branded underwear and a logo-ed out surfboard.

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Helmut Lang Fall/Winter 1994

The downtown-cool take on minimalism — complete with leather and latex —was Lang's arena during the '90s.

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Prada Spring/Summer 1995

Founded in 1913, Prada is one of fashion's oldest great houses, but it hit its stride after granddaughter Miuccia took over in 1978. Her playful prints and smart sensibility built a still-beloved brand.

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Thierry Mugler Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1995

The whimsical creations of Mugler have remained favorites of modern-day icons like Cardi B — who wore this dress in 2019.

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Gucci Fall/Winter 1996

Tom Ford's era at Gucci is marked by sexy, slinky pieces including this floor-length dress with a midriff cutout.

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Dior Fall/Winter 1998

During John Galliano's era at Dior, the label was known for its extravagance and over-the-top artistry.

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Céline Spring/Summer 2000

Gisele Bündchen walked the Céline runway in a look designed by Michael Kors. His era at the French fashion houses was decidedly sporty and smart.

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Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2008

New York icon Ralph Lauren ushered in an era that looked to American history as a source of inspiration. Fun fact: this gown made an appearance on Gossip Girl.

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Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2011

Marc Jacobs helmed Louis Vuitton from 1997-2014, adding a playful air to the storied French house.

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Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2010

Alexander McQueen's metaphorical and otherwordly collections will go down in history as some of fashion's most beloved runways ever.

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Céline Spring/Summer 2014

The Phoebe Philo era of Céline is one still much beloved by fashion insiders.

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Calvin Klein 205W39NYC Spring/Summer 2018

During Raf Simons' time at Calvin Klein, the label revisited quintessential Americana with inspiration ranging from marching bands to the iconic film Jaws.

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Pyer Moss Spring/Summer 2020

Pyer Moss' September 2019 show at Brookyln's Kings Theatre was Kerby Jean-Raymond's ode to popular culture in America, examined through the lens of Black creativity.

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Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2020

When Vetements' Demna Gvasalia took the reigns at Balenciaga, the storied house took on a new, thought-provoking bent complete with sweats, sharp shoulders, and overfull ball gowns.

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