You don't need a fancy fashion show invite. You need a broadband connection. The average style-conscious Internet surfer will be privy to the hottest style trends just as fast as socialites are. We are not too far away from the online-only fashion show format, finds Shweta Shiware

In October 2008, when the French capital was powdering its nose to host the prestigious Paris Fashion Week, Dutch designers Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren did the absurd. Trampling all over the time-run tradition of high fashion, they ditched the runway format to present an online-only show. And everyone was invited.

Actress Deepika Padukone walks the ramp for designers Shantanu & Nikhil at Lakme Fashion Week 2010. Original Pic/ Rane Ashish. Graphic/ Sameer Pawar

Suddenly, the bored-to-death corporate receptionist attained the status of front row guest by simply logging on to the Viktor & Rolf website to watch their Spring 2009 collection. Fashion's fiefdom had fallen.u00a0u00a0u00a0

Filmed in the Grand Salon of the designer duo's virtual home, French windows lining the Ariel-white ramp on one end, rows of empty chairs fencing another, the video takes you to a setting no less theatrical than a Broadway show. 'Viktor & Rolf Presents Spring/Summer 2009 starring the wonderful Shalom Harlow' read the credits. Drama unfolds through duplicity, as Shalom, the supermodel walks in wearing creation-after-creation, the quick march sometimes lapsing into an unhurried swagger; slow motion, fade in and quick cuts making it far more enigmatic than a one-dimensional fashion show. Close-ups of the scarlet native American Indian-inspired eye make-up, quirky wedge heels and concentric pleats in the snail-inspired showstopper dress allow for a view far clearer than from front row at a live show.u00a0

Viktor Horsting (left) and Rolf Snoeren, the pioneers of the online-only show format, at their Autumn/Winter 2010-2011 ready-to-wear show. Pic/AFP photo How do you like the new new mid-day.com experience? Share your feedback and help us improve. Read Next Story Bangladesh immigrants drive Naga grey market› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT