S3 E10 Learning to Read Fashion Shows: How to Analyse Runways Like a Fashion Student

Good morning, Germany,


and welcome to a new episode of Zwischen Croissant & Couture.

Today we’re getting analytical. Because fashion shows aren’t just ‘beautiful’ or ‘ugly’. Fashion is about meaning — a system of status, power, sexuality and the spirit of the times.

In this episode, we’ll show you how to really analyse runways: from formal analysis through to figures and personas, right up to the overarching message behind a collection. Why is everyone at Balenciaga suddenly walking around in hoodies and holding smoothies? Why do Saint Laurent women always look like CEOs at midnight? And why doesn’t Chanel simply sell clothes, but rather a fantasy of luxury?

We discuss:
– the 3 levels of fashion analysis: form, semantics & aesthetics
– why “I like it” isn’t criticism
– the codes of Prada, Maison Margiela & Co.
– why fabrics, silhouettes and casting can be political statements
– and how to tell if a show really has an idea — or is just showing random looks

An episode for everyone who doesn’t just want to consume fashion, but wants to understand it.

Enjoy the listen.