Meet The Man Designing Fashion's Most Spectacular Catwalks Around The World

Fashion month may be over, but there’s still plenty to see: in part thanks to the work of Alexandre de Betak, the creative mind behind some of fashion’s most memorable shows and events. To mark the launch of his new book, Culture Trip looks back at his influential career, and highlights what readers can expect inside the n ew Phaidon release.

The Jacquemus SS17 show began in inky darkness; guests waited with a whispered hush of anticipation. Out of the black, a orb of orange beams began to glow, growing stronger until they were blindingly bright. And only as they peaked, demanding their audience’s attention for one momentary more beat, the first model appeared. Walking in an oversized, organic blazer and flat straw hat; it felt as she walked along the industrially sparse catwalk in the Jardin des Tuileries that even though she wore the first look, the show had begun already minutes before, in that soft cocoon of silence. Such is the magic of French set and show designer Alexandre de Betak who, having produced more than a 1,000 catwalk shows, events and exhibitions over the last 25 years, is now the subject a beautiful new tome from Phaidon.

Jacquemus, Spring/Summer 2017, Jardin des Tuileries, Paris

Over the course of the career, Betak has revolutionised the way in which collections are shown, offering an approach which is both architectural and theatrical; spectacular and nuanced. Written thematically across ‘In Situ’, ‘The Set’, ‘Light’ and ‘Performance’, Betak: Fashion Show Revolution unpacks how and why Alexandre de Betak, and his organisation Bureau Betak, have set new a agenda in fashion and the way in which clothes are received.

Berluti, Fall/Winter 2015 by Alessandro Sartori, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris

The book covers career highlights such as his ongoing work for Christian Dior, John Galliano, Hussein Chalayan, Rodarte and Raf Simons, as well as spotlighting sensational moments like the Victoria’s Secret show – the 2000 webcast famously ‘broke’ the internet when it aired, long before that Paper magazine cover with Kim Kardashian.

Alongside photographs from these major shows are countless behind-the-scenes images, documenting the more candid, playful moments behind these memorable spectacles.

Mango, Fall/Winter 2011, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris

With an introduction from fashion writer Sally Singer, this celebration of a great creative mind is also told through contributions from de Betak himself, the Rodarte designers and Jeffrey Deitch, who sheds fresh light on the process of presenting fashion to modern audiences.

Christian Dior, Couture Spring/Summer 2014 by Raf Simons, Musée Rodin, Paris

In a social media age, the power and lasting impact of these transient creations is a powerful testament to de Betak’s vision, and the book a vital document of one of the industry’s most transformative and innovative figures.