New York Fashion is Happening … Sort of
Since the pandemic struck, the influential fashion industry has significantly declined. COVID-19 shut down manufacturing, leading to multiple delays and cancellations. However, as the fashion industry begins to regain some normalcy, the Spring 2021 season is beginning, despite the small number of presentations. According to Robin Givahn from The Washington Post, “Larger brands such as Michael Kors have adopted a new production schedule and won’t show until October. Marc Jacobs is sitting out the season entirely. Diane von Furstenberg is in the throes of layoffs and store closures.”
Despite the slow trickle of fashion, the 2021 season is most urgent and significant, as industries must create and set the tone for years to come in order to survive and fulfill their passion. With a total of 60 brands involved, designers Jason Wu and Rebecca Minkoff “will be holding in-person events in ‘strict compliance’ with New York State health and safety guidelines. The rest will take place digitally, either by livestream, video or something else entirely,” Fashionista stated. However, New York Fashion Week (NYFW) will look completely different and will no longer be filled with packed shows and parties.
In order to keep the public safe and avoid the spread of COVID-19 the owner and producer of NYFW, IMG, reached out to New York State Public Health Officials this past May to determine what precautions to take during this year’s fashion week. According to their 30-page briefing document of their policies, “these measures include policies, procedures, precautions and screenings, including: restrict all gatherings to 50 or fewer people and less than 50 percent of the maximum occupancy for a particular area as set by the certificate of occupancy,” and adhere to social distancing at all times.”
New York is a hub for fashion around the world, making it very important to find a way to be able to host NYFW in the safest way possible. In a statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo, “New York City is the fashion capital of the world, and New York Fashion Week celebrates the ingenuity of this city, and our unmatched creative talent.” Though this year’s fashion season may look different, it is important to adjust to the circumstances so that the industry will be able to continue to flourish for generations to come.