Memoir | Designer Fashion Shows on TV in Europe | Part VI of VI

Embarking on another new chapter of my life, I bid farewell to my globetrotting career and embraced the opportunity to live and work in Europe for two years as an office secretary to a high-ranking government official. As I settled into my new apartment, I discovered a delightful surprise that added a touch of glamour to my everyday life ~ famous designers’ fashion shows aired on television, seven days a week!

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Fashion has always held a special place in my heart, and as a teenager, I dreamt of strutting down the runway as a model. My bedroom walls were adorned with pages from Vogue magazine, showcasing my favorite models like Linda Evangelista, Janice Dickinson, Naomi Campbell, and Tyra Banks. I dreamed of being the first light-skinned African American supermodel, jetting off to fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, London, Berlin, and New York City to participate in the prestigious designers’ Fashion Week shows. Alas, my dreams of becoming a supermodel or experiencing the thrill of attending designer fashion shows seemed out of reach.

My ultimate haute fashion fantasy was to own a chic CHANEL-style black boucle tweed skirt suit with gold buttons.

However, adulthood brought me the joy of affordable, yet stylish designer fashion finds from a Consignment Store in the upscale neighborhood of Capitol Hill. I always made sure to dress fashionably and professionally for work and express my love for fashion in my everyday attire in a skirt or dress. I hate pants.

With my passion for fashion shows, admiration for fashion models, and desire for a CHANEL suit, I can confidently call myself a fashionista!

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After finally getting comfortable in my European abode, I decided to unwind by switching on the television. To my sheer delight, I discovered that the country’s television programs were conveniently in English. As I surfed through the channels, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of familiar shows from the United States, including Law and Order, the ever-present cable news giant CNN, the glamorous escapades of The Kardashians, addictive soap operas, and my favorite, intriguing crime/mystery comedy-drama series, Castle.

However, amidst this familiar lineup, something caught my eye as I continued to flip through the channels. To my astonishment, I stumbled upon a realm of sheer magnificence — fashion shows featuring the crème de la crème of famous designers! From the iconic names of Dior and Versace to the artistic creations of Missoni, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and not forgetting the exquisite designs of Fendi, these fashion shows were an extraordinary sight to behold.

My eyes widened in awe as I bore witness to the mesmerizing spectacle of long-lost fashion masterpieces by iconic designers like the late Alexander McQueen, resurrected through captivating, pre-recorded footage, adorning the television screen.

To add to the enchantment, the live and recorded fashion shows by today’s esteemed designers were also being broadcast, creating a dreamlike experience for any fashion enthusiast.

I spent hours glued to the screen, captivated by the stunning creations showcased on the catwalks. From Paris Fashion Week to New York Fashion Week, and even Milan, London, and Berlin Fashion Weeks.

I had a front-row seat at the most prestigious haute couture events in the world!

The runway presentations were nothing short of spectacular. Some shows took place outdoors, others under cascading waterfalls, and some even within the walls of museums. I marveled at designer fashion shows where models seemingly walked on water or graced the grand halls of the Palace of Versailles.

Most models hailed from European backgrounds, each exuding their unique beauty. The impeccable clothing, flawless makeup, intricate hairstyles, and exquisite accessories transformed them into stunning works of art.

One of the highlights for me was witnessing the famous designers take a bow at the end of each show. From Tom Ford to Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson (who famously substituted a bow with a cartwheel and split), Marc Jacobs, the late Karl Lagerfeld (for CHANEL), Donatella Versace, Dior, Armani, Balenciaga, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, and Ralph Lauren. They are among the most iconic figures in the fashion industry.

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Living in Europe was where my dreams of attending designer fashion shows came true through the magic of television, which brought me immense joy. Watching the models strut down the runway, I couldn’t help but imagine myself in their shoes, living out my teenage fantasies.

Television truly is a remarkable medium, as actor LeVar Burton aptly stated, “Television is the most powerful medium in the history of civilization for communicating thoughts, ideas, and stories.” I wholeheartedly agree with his sentiment.

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(Copyright © 2025 by Mia Z. Edwards. All rights reserved.)