In the world of fashion, every detail tells a story from fabric texture to the cut of a silhouette. But one of the most overlooked elements of a runway show is also one of its most powerful: the music. Beneath the bright lights and camera flashes, it’s the beat that sets the emotional tone, shapes the narrative, and moves the models and the audience through a sensory experience that’s as sonic as it is visual.
Beyond Background Noise
Runway music isn’t just filler. It’s a carefully curated soundscape that communicates the designer’s vision just as much as the clothes do. Whether it’s a thumping bass line that underscores a collection’s futuristic edge or a haunting ballad that echoes the fragility of chiffon and lace, music dictates the pace and mood of the show. It can make or break the atmosphere.
Fashion week veterans know the difference. “Music is the emotional glue,” says sound designer Michel Gaubert, the man behind the soundtracks of Chanel and Fendi. “It tells the audience what to feel.”
A Marriage of Art Forms
Historically, fashion shows were quiet affairs, often held in salons with little more than the rustle of fabric and polite applause. That changed in the 1980s when designers like Thierry Mugler and Gianni Versace introduced theatrical, music-driven spectacles. Suddenly, the runway was a stage, and models were performers walking in rhythm to the score.
In today’s multimedia era, designers collaborate with DJs, composers, and music directors to create bespoke mixes that mirror the theme of their collections. For example, when Rick Owens sent models down the runway in dystopian armor, he paired it with industrial techno that sounded like it was forged in the same post-apocalyptic universe. Meanwhile, brands like Valentino and Dior have embraced classical or minimalist scores to convey elegance and restraint.
Genre as Statement
Music on the runway isn’t just about aesthetics — it can carry political and cultural weight. When Rihanna launched her Savage X Fenty line, she broke all the rules with a high-energy show soundtracked by hip-hop, dancehall, and Latin pop, asserting a message of body positivity and inclusivity. Similarly, a choice to use vintage jazz or soul might evoke nostalgia, class, or rebellion depending on the context.
Even silence, used strategically, can be a powerful tool. For a Comme des Garçons show in Paris, Rei Kawakubo once let models walk in near silence, broken only by the echo of their steps — an eerie and unforgettable auditory choice that forced the audience to confront the garments with total focus.
The New Role of the Fashion DJ
With runway soundtracks becoming a craft of their own, the role of the fashion DJ or sound designer has risen in prominence. Artists like Honey Dijon and Virgil Abloh (before his passing) blurred the lines between DJ, designer, and curator. These creatives understand both music’s pulse and fashion’s rhythm, creating a seamless fusion of sound and style.
In some cases, live performances now replace pre-recorded mixes altogether. Kanye West’s Yeezy Season 3 debuted with a listening party for The Life of Pablo at Madison Square Garden. Florence Welch once sang live as models glided through Gucci’s universe of opulence and dreamlike drama.
Conclusion: Fashion Sounds Off
Ultimately, runway music is more than a vibe — it’s a voice. It speaks the language of the collection and amplifies its emotional core. As fashion continues to merge with technology, film, and performance art, sound will remain a vital part of how designers tell their stories.
So the next time you watch a runway show — whether you’re front row or streaming on your phone — listen closely. The beat beneath the heels might just be the heart of the whole show.
