NYFW: A Virtually Virtual Show

The Fashion season is upon us and New York Fashion Week has set the ball rolling ahead of London, Milan and Paris.

While by now, quite a number of us hoped that the pandemic would have been “over” or at least “over enough” (that’s how desperate we were) for the shows to be a lot more physical than virtual that has not been the case.

Instead of the full front row seats and a lot of celebrities showing off gorgeous outfits as they troop in to an already filled venue, with press men and photographers vying for the best positions to take that perfect runway shot, what we have is a virtually virtual show.

Although, the fashion week is mix of physical and virtual shows, it is no news that the virtual shows far outweigh the physical shows. It is also obvious that the physical shows are so socially distant that they might as well be virtual shows.

Jason Wu, kicked of the Schedule with his Spring – Summer 2021 collection, which he showcased to a socially distant crowd of 30 people on the rooftop of Spring Studios in Manhattan.

Harlem Fashion Row, a platform that promotes diversity in fashion by supporting designers of colour kicked off the schedule on the virtual front with a virtual showcase of collections by black designers Kirsten Loren, Kimberly Goldson and Rich Fresh.

Some returning designers like Anna Sui and Chromat are showcasing on the digital platform while others like Micheal Kors will not participate in the fashion week this year.

In order to ensure great broadcast for the virtual shows, the Council of Fashion Designers for America (CFDA) has created Runway360; a digital platform to show new collections or other creative projects.

While it might seem like there are no advantages whatsoever to this highly virtual Fashion week, the switch to virtual Fashion shows may make for more sustainable presentations.

This digital format is also giving emerging designers, a chance to shine without all the usual hierarchies, and labels that were not well known can show off their creative prowess.

The Fashion Season was necessary inorder to sustain the livelihood of some fashion businesses. Besides, it’s not so easy to let go of the normal even if it has to be done in an abnormal way.

Watch this article for updates as the New York Fashion Week continues.