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 halted following the typical fashion calender after the recent global outbreak of COVID-19. As health officials globally advise caution against large public gatherings, brands are being encouraged to present their collections through digital platforms instead. While some brands have opted 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 typical fashion show, brands are choosing alternative methods for their collection debuts. Virtual showrooms, or behind the scenes experiences have become the new norm. But as many brands have suffered a large loss in profit due to the ongoing pandemic, some designers are forfeiting fashion week altogether in order 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 brands shifted to the execution of digital presentations than the actual clothes. The British Fashion Council acknowledged that these presentations were experimental due to the unique and sudden circumstances, but show-goers couldn't help but wonder if this reaction is indicative of future fashion weeks to come.

Originally scheduled for June 23-28, fashion's French governing body, The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), officially announced that couture week has been cancelled. As fashion houses reconcile their collections, brands like Armani Privé and Jean Paul Gaultier have stated they will be on hold until next January. As the FHCM keeps in mind the safety of thousands of people that are brought to Paris solely for Couture Week, not all hope is lost as a released statement assured, "The Fédération is actively working with its members on possible alternatives."

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." Rumoured partnerships with other platforms such as Youtube and Amazon Prime are said to enable brands to also stream their digital content publicly.

As of now, New York Fashion Week remains a mystery. The CFDA is expected to make an announcement imminently about what format the shows will take. In a recent statement released, the council 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." It is rumored that if in-person presentations take place, the scheduled week may be shorter than what we've been used to. This would be precautionary as travel is still unadvisable.

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.