Catwalk vs. Runway

Main Difference

The main difference between Catwalk and Runway is that the Catwalk is a raised walkway or stage used by models to display clothing and accessories during a fashion show and Runway is a area of surface used by aircraft to takeoff from and land on

• Catwalk

  In fashion, a runway, catwalk or ramp, is a narrow, usually flat platform that runs into an auditorium or between sections of an outdoor seating area, used by models to demonstrate clothing and accessories during a fashion show. In fashion jargon, “what’s on the catwalk” or similar phrasing can refer to whatever is new and popular in fashion. A runway could be as basic as a narrow space between rows of chairs or more elaborate setups with multiple catwalks. Most runway shows are held inside, for shelter against the weather, but there are times when runway shows are held outdoors. In the 2016 Paris Fashion Week, Chanel presented an elaborate setup by designing the hall as if it were an airport. The viewing guests sat as if they were awaiting their flights while the models walked around the airport approaching ticket counters.

• Runway

  According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a runway is a “defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and takeoff of aircraft”. Runways may be a man-made surface (often asphalt, concrete, or a mixture of both) or a natural surface (grass, dirt, gravel, ice, sand or salt). Runways, as well as taxiways and ramps, are sometimes referred to as “tarmac,” though very few runways are built using tarmac. Runway lengths are now commonly given in meters worldwide, except in North America where feet are commonly used.

• Catwalk (noun)

  a platform extending into an auditorium, along which models walk to display clothes in fashion shows.

• Catwalk (noun)

  a narrow walkway or open bridge, especially in an industrial installation.