Fashion shows are artistic and cultural productions that are intended to be enjoyed by the public. The work of many contributors creates the overall picture, which is then presented through a visual newsurl medium. A director is often appointed by fashion maisons to create these productions. The result is a spectacle that may be repeated, but that also remains unique.
Fashion shows have become much more than a showcase for designers’ latest collections. They have also come to represent social, historical, and political values. One example was the controversial show of Missoni’s pink-cap models, which represented the company’s opposition to discrimination. Another example was the first ever fashion show newsglo hosted by Ann Wintour, which drew the attention of Queen Elizabeth, who was in the front row. And last but not least, Valentino Garavani held a three-day farewell to catwalks in Rome, celebrating 45 years of collaboration with the Eternal City.
A fashion show is a pseudo unique form of art, a performance where the garments are re-enacted by actors in a carefully chosen venue. The performance includes music and finely crafted decor to help create an atmosphere that accentuates the art. It is not just about showcasing clothes, it also showcases the artist’s technical skills and fabrics.
A fashion show can also be a copyrighted work. While the European Union Intellectual Property Code does not explicitly name them, fashion shows are copyrightable works. Moreover, fashion savetoby shows must satisfy certain criteria to be protected. First, the show must be “originally created.”
Secondly, it is important to understand what is a protected performance. Under copyright law, protected performances are defined as interpretations of copyrighted works. For example, a fashion show that features runway models would be considered a protected webvan performance. It is important to understand this distinction, as it will impact the legal protections of fashion shows.