Fashion Shows as we once knew them are certainly, now a memory of the past. The effects of COVID-19 began to pose major health concerns in March, forcing Giorgio Armani to reveal his collection via live stream. This has proven to be one of the first shifts in the transition from live shows to digital ones. As the summer is progressing, we are beginning to learn more about the September shows. Below is a recap of the info we know right now and some predictions regarding COVID-19 and the effects (long term and short term) that it will have on FW in September and shows to come.
The consensus seems to be that travel bans, and the newness of the situation has forced designers to rethink fashion shows and their showcases. As for September, many designers will not present a collection, and those that are have modified the number of future collections they will be releasing.
The pressing question: How will this new digital platform exist?
Here’s what we know so far:
What was previously known as Men’s Fashion Week in London has now been changed to just London Fashion Week, which was held June 14-16. The designs included all genders, showcasing new designs, virtual showrooms, short films, podcasts, and playlists. The fashion houses that participated received time slots to present their collections. Links to resources like online lookbooks, digital showrooms, and eCommerce sites were included. A portal for displaying creative content by its users was included, as well as video diaries and interviews from designers.
Some designers decided to take a slightly different approach, like Nicholas Daley, who made a playlist that he called an interactive mood board that included sketches, snapshots of fabric, and music that reflected his inspiration for his spring collection. It’s worth noting that many well-established designers who were absent from LFW (previously known as Men’s Fashion Week) in June are hopeful to present in September.
Well-known designers like Michael Kors will drop their usual September slot in the upcoming Spring ‘21 shows. It’s reported that his collections will be released in October-November. Going forward, MK will only be making two annual collections— spring and fall, and other designers like Gucci are following suit. Kors says he wants to slow down the process and to improve the way that the fashion industry works. Similarly, Saint Laurent is leading to a rhythm of their own instead of conforming to a fashion schedule that they believe is underfed in many categories.
While little is known about NYFW and its details around how it will be presented this year, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (the CFDA) has scheduled NYFW for September 14-16 via a digital platform. The CFDA reported that many brands are under financial pressures and will be skipping this season and that the three day period set for this year is not reflective of future fashion show schedules. It is also reported that the council will be providing participating brands with the digital resources needed to present their shows.
The Spring ‘21 collections are going to be quite different this year, but I’m excited to see what is to come as brands begin to reveal their inspiration and creations. I’m anxiously awaiting updates as September rolls around, and a more concrete plan is set in place.
Covid-19 has a lot of designers scaling back the number of collections they will release. Leave a comment below letting us know what your thoughts are.
For more fashion updates related to COVID check out the following posts:
