Redefining Fashion Week: How to Watch the Upcoming Fashion Shows Online

This year just like most global industries and major annual events, fashion week is uncertain. Designers have been halted in following the typical fashion calendar after the recent global outbreak of COVID-19. As health officials and the CDC advise caution against large public gatherings, brands are being encouraged to present their collections through digital mediums. While some brands opt to produce their take on a traditional (yet at-home) show, others are opting to explore alternative digital experiences.

What was once a highly exclusive event, is now an opportunity for global attraction. While past fashion weeks have operated on an invite-only basis, this year, designers are looking to attract more inclusive audiences. Instead of a conventional fashion show, brands are choosing different digital methods for their collection debuts. Formats such as virtual showrooms, or behind the scenes experiences are now the new norm. However, since many brands have already suffered from a large loss of profit, some designers are forfeiting fashion week altogether in an attempt to preserve their resources.

Earlier this year, London Fashion Week was the first to be hosted during the beginning stages of COVID-19. As the pandemic quickly progressed, more focus seemed to be on the execution of digital presentations more than the actual clothes. The British Fashion Council acknowledged that these presentations were experimental due to the sudden circumstances, but show-goers couldn't help but wonder if this reaction is indicative of future fashion weeks to come.

After originally being scheduled for June 23-28, and then being cancelled by The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), couture week has gone completely digital. While some fashion houses are using this time to reconcile their collections; Armani Privé and Jean Paul Gaultier stating they will be on hold until next January, others, such as Chanel, Dior and Balmain have presented collections in new and innovative ways through film, lookbooks and socially-distanced presentations. 

What was originally Men's Fashion Week in Milan has now been opened up to menswear and womenswear designers. The Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (National Chamber of Italian Fashion) announced this in early June as they encouraged designers to debut their pre- and main season collections. Carlo Capasa, president of CNMI, announced that each brand will broadcast their designs in whatever format they see fit. Brands such as Prada, Etro and Bottega Veneta have all confirmed participation through digital content.

As the CNMI plans to host this event on their platform, a statement suggested that they will be "featuring photographic and video content, interviews and backstages of alternative and unique viewpoints." Rumored partnerships with other platforms such as Youtube and Amazon Prime are said to enable brands to also stream their digital content publicly.

After much speculation and anticipation, the CFDA has officially announced that New York Fashion Week will be a completely virtual three-day event. Initially supposed to take place from September 11 to 16, NYFW has been pushed to the 14th. Attendees can now hop from one virtual show to the next without having to hail a cab in the middle of the concrete jungle, allowing more time for more shows in a single day. Additionally, as many designers and brands rethink the consumeristic culture surrounding the typical fashion calendar, less designers are expected to show this upcoming season. The three-day calendar is only set to last this Fall, though the council has also stated that if there's sufficient demand, September 17 will be considered as an additional day. 

The council has previously said it "remains respectful of everyone’s priorities during this time. First and foremost protecting the health and well-being of our teams and ourselves," reflected in its recent decision. The CFDA also plans to launch a digital platform and various digital resources to assist brands in sharing their latest work this New York Fashion Week.  

As of now, the Fédération confirms that Paris Fashion Week will be held. Whether this remains in a digital format, or be hosted in-person, is also yet to be determined. As we wait for more definitive plans to be announced we can only hope that it will be safer for designers to conventionally debut their Fall/Winter 2021 collections come this September.