Have you ever bought an outfit online, only to find the color looks noticeably different in person compared to the photos? Most of the time, the main "culprit" behind this difference is… lighting.
It’s clear that the appeal of a fashion piece isn’t just about the fabric, design, or pattern—it’s also strongly influenced by the lighting it’s shown under.
For high-end collections, especially on the runway, even small discrepancies between photos and the real product are unacceptable. But runway lighting is more than just showing colors accurately—it’s a carefully crafted process. Every light source must be adjusted for angle, coverage, and intensity to highlight the details of the garment, even accounting for the model’s movements as they walk.
So, what are the key factors that shape how runway lighting works its magic?
Where Light Leads, The Spotlight Follows
Lighting plays a pivotal role in showcasing the artistry of a designer’s work, guiding the audience’s attention to the intricate details—whether it’s the texture of the fabric, the precision of the tailoring, or the vibrancy of the patterns.
Overhead lighting defines the contours of a garment, emphasizing its shape and structure. Backlighting adds depth and a sense of movement, enhancing the softness of flowing fabrics like chiffon or organza. Reflective materials such as satin or sequins are elevated under spotlights, creating mesmerizing effects that captivate as the model moves across the runway.
Designs featuring layers, pleats, or sculptural forms demand lighting that accentuates their multidimensional qualities. The play of light and shadow across the garment shifts with the model’s movement, creating a dynamic, ever-changing visual that enhances the overall presentation.
Bespoke Lighting For Every Space
Every runway demands a tailored lighting design that not only highlights the garments but also harmonizes with the overall spatial composition.
Outdoor venues with natural light demand stronger, more focused artificial lighting to ensure the designs stand out against their surroundings. Enclosed spaces, such as theaters or galleries, offer more control, allowing lighting to be tailored for specific focal points, like a speaker’s podium, a central display, or an art installation, without overpowering the environment.
Runway lighting requires meticulous planning to achieve a seamless result. The stage must be perfectly illuminated while keeping guest seating areas untouched. Even with multiple lighting systems in use, there are no overlaps, stray beams, or uneven patches. This level of precision comes from carefully calculated light intensity, fixture positioning, and ceiling height.
Lighting As The Language Of Storytelling
In runway shows, lighting serves as a powerful medium for brand storytelling, enhancing the narrative arc of the collection. Each show is often structured with a beginning, middle, and end, with lighting transitions highlighting different segments.
For instance, bright white lighting may be used to showcase simple, elegant designs, transitioning to vibrant red hues to create a dramatic climax for standout pieces.
A notable example is Dior’s Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2019 show, where warm golden lighting was used to complement a color palette ranging from neutrals like white, black, and beige to bold tones like red, yellow, and pink. This lighting choice amplified the opulent and daring circus theme, evoking the grandeur of early 20th-century circuses.
The lighting acted as a metaphorical stage curtain, starting in darkness with soft, focused lights on the runway to guide the audience’s attention to an intricate circus performance. As the first model appeared, the lights brightened, and they dimmed again to signal the end of the show.
A similar approach was adopted at Lighting Reimagined 2024, an event where Unios collaborated with GIA Studios to present a fresh perspective on the intersection of fashion and architectural lightning. At this event, Lâm Gia Khang, founder and chief designer of GIA Studios, debuted the Pre-Spring 25 RTW Women Collection, a minimalist yet sophisticated series that reflected the distinctive essence of the Vietnamese fashion house.
The event's lighting was managed using Unios' ION S product line, a signature lighting solution of the brand. The Unios Vietnam team meticulously planned the lighting to ensure it accentuated the beauty of each garment.
True to its name, Lighting Reimagined redefined the role of lighting. It demonstrated how lighting can move beyond being a supporting element to becoming a key medium for storytelling, seamlessly integrating into the brand's narrative. This philosophy aligns with Unios’ mission: "Changing the way the market perceives the importance of lighting."
As a leading Australian brand, Unios is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge technology, delivering exceptional quality, and prioritizing sustainability.
The ION S lighting range is designed to meet the highest standards, offering an ideal solution for premium spaces such as luxury showrooms, commercial hubs, five-star hotels, art museums, and fashion events.
Looking to the future, Unios is committed to ongoing innovation, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and smart control technologies to create lighting solutions that are energy-efficient, highly interactive, and seamlessly user-friendly.