VIRUS VS FASHION

FASHION

The epidemic caused by the new 2019-nCoV virus not only impacting people who are affected by the disease but also industrial, trade and economy sectors overall. The fashion industry as part of it also has not been spared the effects. COVID-19 has steadily spread across the world since it originated in Wuhan City in the Hubei Province of China, with roughly 250,800 cases and 10,368 deaths globally as of March 20, according to the New York Times. Many European nations including France, Spain, Germany, and Italy — which is experiencing the second-highest number of cases globally with over 40,000 cases — are on partial or total lockdown in an effort to contain the virus. The virus is increasingly having a negative impact on the fashion industry specifically, having escalated in the midst of the fall 2020 fashion month season, causing brands and design houses to shutter their doors and postpone upcoming runway shows. Major events, including the Met Gala and the CFDA Awards, have also been postponed indefinitely. Department stores across the globe, including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Selfridges and Saks Fifth Avenue, have closed their doors. Some of the world’s renowned brands have undergone such profound changes in their schedule of fashion shows, opening new stores and presentation of new collections, among them:

Armani: Giorgio Armani revealed on Feb. 22 that he would no longer be hosting a public runway show in Milan for his fall 2020 collection, rather the show was filmed in an empty theater and posted on the brand’s web site and social media platforms. The company has also closed its offices and plants in Northern Italy for the next week. “The decision was made to avoid exposing guests to any dangers to their health,” said a company spokesperson. The design house then revealed on March 8 that it is working to fight the spread of COVID-19, donating 1.25 million euros to a number of Italian hospitals and institutions.

Burberry: Burberry has postponed its fall 2020 Shanghai show, which was initially slated for April 23. The show was meant to debut exclusive pieces made for the region. A new date has not yet been revealed.

Chanel: Chanel revealed on Feb. 17 that it has postponed the restaging of its Métiers d’Art show in Beijing, which was planned for this May. The collection was initially presented in Paris on Dec. 4. The design house announced on March 16 that it is also canceling the restaging of its Métiers d’Art show in London on June 4. On March 17, the design house announced it is canceling its cruise 2021 show in Capri, Italy on May 7. The company then announced on March 18 it is halting production in its facilities in Italy, France, and Switzerland for the next two weeks, however, workers will still be paid.

Dior: Dior announced on March 16 that it is canceling its resort 2021 show in Italy on May 9.

Hermès: Hermès has canceled its resort 2021 show in London on April 28. On the other hand, the industry finds new ways to enter the market and to reach out to the audience.

As a result, many of the events start to being organized virtually, for example Shanghai and Beijing Fashion Weeks. Both Shanghai and Beijing Fashion Weeks have also been postponed because of the outbreak. Shanghai Fashion Week was slated to begin on March 26 while Beijing’s China Fashion Week was slated to run from March 25 to March 31. Shanghai Fashion Week is now partnering with Alibaba’s Tmall to create an online platform for the designers and brands to debut their fall 2020 collections from March 24 to March 30. Some 150 brands will participate in the virtual fashion week, including Diane von Furstenberg, Pinko, Miss Sixty, Converse, Anta, Icicle, Lily, and Le Fame.

Even considering observers’ forecasts that the impact of coronavirus on the fashion industry can be enormous. We believe in the support of the fashion community, because many fashion houses have already made significant donations and that at this turbulent times people will definitely find a moment to recover, be nourished by strength and inspiration, and most importantly they will start creating with renewed vigor when the life returns to normal speed.