“To me, it didn’t make sense to add one more show to the calendar,” Garung told WWD. “Editors have been supportive of my shows from day one, but it almost seemed a little selfish to expect people to come to yet another show. I wanted a way to make things easier for everyone.”

And easier things will be. ICB’s virtual show will be available via computer, tablet or mobile phone — so teetering from show to show, industry insiders can ideally catch any number of shows on whatever iDevice fits their fashion fancy.  Additionally, show notes and still images will be available for each look, as well as detail shots for accessories, shoes and jewelry; viewers can tag their favorite looks, providing direct feedback to the designer, and get access to behind-the-scenes content. And perhaps taking the cake for ultimate convenience, the digital shows will include videos and photos that can be downloaded or embedded for press materials or buyers’ notes.

While KCD claims that the new digital platform isn’t intended to replace the traditional fashion show, Vanessa Friedman of the Financial Times wonders if it might not render the role of the fashion critic obsolete: “Don’t consumers just want to see the shows and hear designers talk anyway? Is this not in part facilitating a slippery slope toward less third-party interpretation and greater direct brand communication? And is that good?…I wonder how many of us will be able to resist not just using the digital service, but using it in place of real reporting?”

With countless fashion blogs and websites jockeying for relevance, the fashion critic is already an endangered species, yet KCD seems to be taking the next and logical step in the way collections are presented each season. ICB is the first to use digitalfashionshows.com and their fall 2012 collection will be filmed on January 30 and debut on February 15 at 11:30 and will, like fashion shows of yore, be invite only — proving that the more things change, the more they stay the same. [WWD]

Anja Rubik poses infront of Geoff McFetridge black and white drawings for these iCB fall advertisements. Anja seriously seems to be everywhere lately! Anna Wintour take note – incorporating an artist makes a studio shoot much more interesting.

SOURCE: Fashion Gone Rogue