VR

Rebecca Minkoff is definitely not a stranger to technology. Besides offering jewelry with things such as notification support and integrated Lighting cables, her boutiques have among the highest tech dressing rooms in existence. This year the brand is looking to push things even further and is offering a VR experience of their NYFW show. By simply placing your phone in a special cardboard holder and downloading an app, users can feel like they are experiencing the designer’s collection for themselves. The video was filmed last spring, highlighting the Fall 2015 collection, and is the first VR experience of a runway show by any designer. While Rebecca Minkoff is not planning to record their Spring 2016 show in VR this week, the company is planning more VR content in the future. If you want to check out the virtual runway show, all you need is a mount similar to Google Cardboard. Rebecca Minkoff offered their own version online but it sold out very quickly (UPDATE: back in stock).

This is becoming the year of recorded content for NYFW. Ralph Lauren is streaming their show via Periscope, Instagram has launched a first-of-its-kind dedicated NYFW channel, and WME/IMG is streaming shows and launching a fashion network on the upcoming new AppleTV. No matter where in the world you are, NYC, Kansas, or China, you can feel part of Fashion Week – and now with VR even more so. As the event struggles to find its voice and regain its edge, I wonder if broadcasting worldwide to a mass audience accomplishes that.