In 2013, the famed Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld said, “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life, so you bought some sweatpants.” And yet in 2023, just four years after Lagerfeld’s death, Chanel released multiple runway looks that included patchwork cashmere pants and loose leggings—all of which seemed to resemble Lagerfeld’s detested sweatpants. Fashion changes, sometimes swiftly. But how has the runway experience changed over time? The Vitra Design Museum’s new exhibition holds some answers. “Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show” features photos and film footage, original runway pieces from luxury designers, highly designed invitations to fashion shows, and stage props. It takes viewers on a journey through different political climates and looks at how such cultural weather affects the industry’s presentation of its collections. Expect to see designs from Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Chanel, Comme des Garçons, Dior, Gucci, Helmut Lang, Hussein Chalayan, Martin Margiela, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, and more. —Hannah Gross