Back in 2018, Dolce & Gabbana stunned the fashion world when drones replaced traditional models to showcase luxury handbags. Seven years later, the fashion industry is still riding the wave of tech-driven creativity, pushing the limits of runway shows during Fashion Week 2025.

When Fashion Took Flight

Picture this: Milan Fashion Week, 2018. The lights dimmed, and the crowd buzzed with anticipation—only to be greeted not by models but by drones hovering down the runway. Each carried a meticulously designed handbag, blending futuristic aesthetics with high-end fashion. It was a moment that redefined how fashion shows could capture attention in the digital age.

Fast forward to 2025, and that bold experiment remains a landmark moment in fashion history. Today’s designers are building on that legacy, using cutting-edge technology to create immersive experiences that captivate both live audiences and global streaming viewers. But with competition fiercer than ever, how are fashion houses upping the ante this year?

Fashion Week 2025: The Age of Immersive Runways

This year’s Fashion Week has proven that the fusion of technology and style isn’t just a passing trend—it’s the future. From holographic models to AI-generated fabrics, the industry is rewriting the rules of what a fashion show can be. And while drones may no longer be the headline act, their influence is still felt in how designers approach storytelling, spectacle, and global reach.

Take Paris Fashion Week, where Louis Vuitton stunned audiences by projecting 3D holograms of models directly onto the runway, allowing virtual versions of celebrities to showcase the latest collection. Meanwhile, Gucci’s show blended augmented reality with live performance, creating an immersive experience where digital visuals interacted with the garments in real time.

The Legacy of Dolce & Gabbana’s Drone Show

When Dolce & Gabbana sent drones down the runway in 2018, it sparked debates about the future of fashion shows. Would technology eventually replace human models? Would the essence of fashion—the artistry, the emotion, the connection—be lost in the process?

Seven years later, the answer is clear: technology hasn’t replaced models—it has elevated their presence. Designers now use tech to enhance storytelling, blending digital and physical elements to create runway shows that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

Fashion historian Clara Bennett explains: “Dolce & Gabbana’s drone show was a turning point because it showed the world that fashion could embrace technology without losing its soul. Today, we see that balance perfected—where technology enhances the experience without overshadowing the artistry of the clothes themselves.”

Fashion Meets the Metaverse

Perhaps the biggest evolution since 2018 is the rise of virtual fashion. This year, several designers—including Balenciaga and Burberry—hosted simultaneous runway shows in both physical venues and virtual metaverse spaces. Digital avatars modeled exclusive collections that can be purchased as NFTs, allowing fashion lovers to wear designer pieces in the real world and online.

This hybrid approach reflects how fashion consumption has evolved, with digital fashion becoming a status symbol in virtual spaces like gaming platforms and social media. And while drones may have introduced technology on the runway, today’s innovations are breaking down the walls of traditional fashion shows.

What’s Next for Fashion Week?

If Fashion Week 2025 has shown us anything, it’s that the future of fashion is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating experiences that resonate in both the physical and digital worlds. As designers continue to push the boundaries of technology, audiences can expect even more immersive and interactive shows in the years to come.

And while drones carrying handbags may now be a chapter in fashion history, the spirit of innovation that defined that moment continues to shape how we experience fashion today. After all, if technology can take handbags to new heights, who knows what the future holds for the next generation of runway shows?