The time, 1970-1997, the photographer, Michel Arnaud. Taking us back to an era of the true supermodel, the evolution of the runway show and Arnaud was privy to it all and now thanks to both Arnaud’s generosity and FIDM Museum, so are we with his first ever exhibition, Capturing The Catwalk, Runway Photography From Michel Arnaud, open now at the FIDM Museum.
Working for both Vogue Magazine and exclusively for American Harper’s Bazaar, from 1992-1997 under the renowned fashion editor, Elizabeth Tilbaris, Arnaud helped establish fashion journalism, truly capturing some of the most famous and profound fashion moments in trends, couture and ready-to wear, by recording them through his photography as well as taking intimate snaps of famous supermodels such as Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell both on the runway as well as backstage. Arnaud has even given us access to sneak peaks of the countless after parties through his lens.
From 1970, Arnaud travelled every fashion season to Paris, Milan, New York, and London to cover the fall and spring Haute couture as well as the ready-to-wear collections. Recording the most iconic fashion houses such as Dior, Chanel, Versace, Armani and Valentino.
Over the years, Arnaud has tracked the evolution of ready-to-wear, and following famous supermodels throughout the height of their careers.
Fast forward to May 2018 and we're fortunate enough that Arnaud's exhibition is now available for public viewing, allowing us to explore his work throughout the years. So generously donated by Arnaud to FIDM Museum, Capturing The Catwalk exhibition opened in May 2018 and will run until July 7th 2018. Featuring the archive of his runway photography which consists of over 200,000 color photographs, the earliest being the 1974 Chloé Fall / Winter 1974 prêt-à-porter collection in Paris, up to the collections of Fall / Winter 1997. The exhibition is even paired up, when possible, with the look from the runway show.
ICONIC LOOKS, SHOT BY ARNAUD
I was fortunate enough to visit the exhibition ahead of its opening in May, followed by an intimate dinner with Arnaud, his lovely family, The Vice President of Education at FIDM / FIDM’s museum director Barbara Bundy, and FIDM’s president, Tonian Hohberg as well as the team at the FIDM Museum responsible for recording the thousands of photographs, and curating the exhibition so wonderfully.
The evening gave the guests the unique opportunity to discuss Arnaud’s extensive work as well as giving us an understanding from the FIDM Museum's team on the work that went into putting the breathtaking exhibition together. It’s truly a gift to be able to see such incredible moments recorded in fashion history through the talented eye of Arnaud.
Visit the FIDM museum until July 7th 2018. The exhibition is FREE and located at Fashion Institute of Design & merchandising. 919, S Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California, 90015. Call (+1) 213.623.5821 for more information.