Fashion has always proved why it is the nonno della passerella or the grandfather of the runway. Charles Frederick Worth created the first fashion runway show in 1903. It was known as the “fashion parade” before it became the term “fashion runway” nowadays. In 1918, fashion shows were held on fixed dates to enthrall international audiences with the local fashion. In 1948, the first “New York Fashion Week” was held. Over time, fashion sense has grown so that sportspersons and musicians have been at the forefront of fashion. From former sportsperson David Beckham to current Tennis player Naomi Osaka, from Freddie Mercury to Rihanna, have showcased fashion to be not just a luxury but a luxury that can be flaunted. However, nowadays one’s home can also be considered fashionable.
For a long time, our homes were simply the backdrop of our lives. They were a place of comfort, shelter, and privacy. But everything changed with the pandemic and the rise of visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Suddenly, our private spaces became public. Through Zoom calls and “shelfies,” our interiors were put on display, becoming a key part of our personal brands. Our increased investment in our homes was as much about self-presentation as it was about comfort.
Fashion houses have been quick to catch on. Brands that once sold only clothes now have significant homeware extensions, translating their iconic codes into porcelain, wallpaper, and lighting. We’re seeing everything from fully decorated residences by luxury brands to designer dinnerware and collectible vases that are as coveted as a rare sneaker drop.
On the flip side, interior design brands are borrowing from fashion’s playbook. They’ve embraced seasonal collections, drop culture, and limited-edition collaborations, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity that was once reserved for the runway.
This shift is rooted in the idea that self-expression doesn’t end with what you wear. Dressing the table, arranging flowers, or choosing a tablecloth are now seen as stylistic choices, revealing as much about our personalities as how we style our outfits. It’s a single, curated visual signature that merges fashion, lifestyle, and interiors.
This trend has big implications for the business of fashion. It offers a new, lucrative revenue stream with a powerful value proposition: a piece of furniture is a lifetime investment, while a high-fashion gown might only be worn a few times. Furthermore, it allows brands to extend their presence into the most intimate part of a consumer’s life—their home.
This is also changing the retail experience. Stores are becoming more like living rooms or showrooms, designed for you to inhabit rather than just shop. They are a display of a lifestyle, not just a wardrobe, with some brands even inviting top clients to “private residences” for an exclusive experience.
The elevation of interiors to the level of fashion is a deep-seated change, not a fleeting trend. However, there’s a potential risk. The very appeal of the homeware sector is its sense of permanence, craftsmanship, and individuality—the opposite of fashion’s relentless marketing and endless product drops.
The question remains: Do we want the home business to follow fashion’s “always on” mentality? Will the chase for the next hot drop threaten the very essence of what makes a home meaningful? For now, the jury is out. But one thing is for sure: what’s in our homes has become just as important as what’s in our closets.
This shift towards home fashion also spotlights a growing appreciation for craftsmanship, quality, and longevity—a concept embraced by brands like The Leather Laundry. By offering expert cleaning, restoration, and custom design for leather sofas, they demonstrate that true luxury is not about fleeting trends but about preserving and cherishing pieces for a lifetime. Whether it’s restoring a favorite vintage jacket or giving a leather sofa a new lease on life, their service proves that an item’s value grows with its story, perfectly bridging the gap between a classic wardrobe piece and a treasured part of your home. It’s a business model built on the very permanence that makes home fashion so appealing.
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