Fashion weeks, as we know them, have faced a change that was unforeseeable with the global pandemic wreaking havoc. As the fashion weeks wrapped up earlier this year in Milan and Paris, the traits of what would become the ‘new normal’ were beginning to be felt–face masks were provided to guests at some of the shows, there was an air of general uncertainty. At Armani, in fact, the veteran designer cancelled his show for a live audience, instead opting for a presentation that was held at an empty venue and streamed virtually for the safety of showgoers.
On a positive (read inclusive) note, the once invitation-only shows can now be streamed by everyone from the safe confines of their homes. This means you too can watch them on your phone wearing *surprise, surprise* your best pair of pyjamas! Pyjamas at a fashion show? That’s 2020 for you, people.
The Virtual Present
As social distancing remains a certainty for the coming months, most shows like Armani are now being staged on virtual platforms—think Instagram and brand websites. Here’s taking a look at all that you can catch right from your couch.
Paris Haute Couture Week
From July 6-8, you can view some of the best couture offerings of the season at a portal that will now allow you to stream them. The official body, French Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode or FHCM, recently revealed the schedule for designer presentations which you can stream online here. Including big-wigs such as Schiaparelli, Ralph & Russo, Dior, Chanel, and Valentino, this showcase is one that is sure to be a delight!
Paris Men’s Fashion Week
Just on the heels of the couture week will be the men’s fashion week, available for viewing from July 9-13. The schedule for the show has an array of names that are known for their disruptive fashion takes, meaning you can place your bets on this being a fun watch overall.
Milan Fashion Week Digital
Following its Parisian counterparts amid the coronavirus outbreak, Milan too will be veering towards a digital format. Some of the major names on the calendar (think Etro, Prada, and Gucci) will be available for viewers to stream through Instagram and brand websites.
Lotus Makeup India Fashion Week
The LMIFW, which was scheduled to be held in New Delhi in mid-March 2020 and included 80 designers participating via stalls and presentations, was called off due to the rising concerns of coronavirus in India. “I would like to reiterate that the LMIFW had to be postponed keeping the safety of thousands of people, who were involved and not just guests but also team members, buyers and partners in mind. Due to the growing incidents reported globally, it would only be prudent to keep an event of this magnitude on hold. Once again we thank you all for your constant support to the Council and hope to continue to celebrate Indian fashion in the coming months,” the Chairman of FDCI, Mr Sunil Sethi, had elaborated in a press release.
Now, the new schedule for the fashion week is yet to be disclosed but hopefully, we will get to stream some of our favourite designers in a virtual space. For now, the official Instagram page has a number of sessions with known faces from the industry to watch out for.
Stockholm Fashion Week
A leader in driving sustainability and innovation, Sweden will host its virtual fashion week from August 26-28. Every year, the runway presentations are held in Stockholm but in the face of the pandemic, the Swedish Fashion Association recently announced how the fashion week would be going all-digital. Complete with a focus on sustainability in fashion and showcasing merchandise through virtual means, there will surely be a lot to talk about. You can visit the official page for the latest updates.
Are you ready to lounge in your pyjamas and catch all these shows virtually? We know we are!
Featured Image: Instagram
