The Effects of Coronavirus on Global Fashion industry
After the coronavirus outbreak forced Chinese fashion designers, buyers and other industry insiders to skip Milan’s Fashion Week in late February, the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, or National Chamber of Italian Fashion, launched a campaign to demonstrate solidarity:
“China, we are with you.”
The slogan turned out to be prophetic. By the end of fashion week, Italy was facing a coronavirus pandemic outbreak of its own, and Milan’s typically bustling streets were eerily empty.
Models posted Instagram selfies in masks, fashion magazines asked their employees to work from home, and Giorgio Armani held his women’s Fall/Winter 2020/2021 fashion show in an empty theater.
COVID-19 has led to the postponement or cancellation of a number of fashion shows for the fall 2020 and resort seasons, here are the list of fashion designer and fashion brands heavily affected by coronavirus pandemic :
Fashion Design Houses and Fashion Brands
Chanel
Chanel revealed on Feb. 17 that it has postponed the restaging of its Métiers d’Art show in Beijing, which was planned for this May. The collection was initially presented in Paris on Dec. 4.
“Considering the current situation and following the guidance of Chinese authorities, Chanel has decided to postpone its project of a replica of the Paris 31 Rue Cambon 2019/20 Métiers d’Art collection in May in Beijing to a later date and more appropriate moment,” the design house said in a statement. A new date for the show has not yet been revealed.
The design house also revealed that it has barred its U.S. staff from traveling to Paris for its upcoming fall 2020 show on March 3.
Armani
Giorgio Armani revealed on Feb. 22 that he would no longer be hosting a public runway show in Milan for his fall 2020 collection, rather the show was filmed in an empty theater and posted on the brand’s web site and social media platforms. The company has also closed its offices and plants in Northern Italy for the next week.
“The decision was made to avoid exposing guests to any dangers to their health,” said a company spokesperson.
The designer then revealed on March 5 that we will be postponing his cruise 2021 show in Dubai, which was slated for April 19 and 20. The event would have coincided with the reopening of the Giorgio Armani boutique at the Dubai Mall and marking the first decade of the Armani Hotel in the city. The event is now scheduled for November.
The design house then revealed on March 8 that it is working to fight the spread of COVID-19, donating 1.25 million euros to a number of Italian hospitals and institutions.
Rosie Assoulin
Rosie Assoulin has announced that she will no longer be presenting her fall 2020 collection on March 1 during Paris Fashion Week. The announcement comes on Feb. 27 as France has reported its second death due to the virus.
The designer will instead bring her collection back to New York, presenting in mid-March by appointment.
A.P.C.
A.P.C. has canceled its fall 2020 fashion show, scheduled for March 2. “For us at A.P.C., a fashion show is a celebration, and an opportunity for carefreeness and sharing,” the label stated. “Given the uncertainties linked to the spread of the coronavirus, we prefer to cancel […] our [fall 2020] fashion show.”
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton’s fall 2020 show is still slated for March 3, however the design house is also prohibiting its U.S. staff from traveling to Paris for the show.
Agnès B.
Agnès B. announced that it is canceling its fall 2020 co-ed show, which would have taken place on March 2 in Paris. Instead the brand will release a film and images on March 3.
Cartier
Cartier canceled its accessories presentation, Cartier Creations, that was scheduled for March 3.
“In light of the concerns associated with international travel at this time, your safety and well-being and that of our team are top priority.”
The Richemont-owned label added that it planned to show the accessories “in the days ahead,” without specifying the format. “Please stay tuned for further updates,” it said in an email.
Glossier Beauty brand Glossier announced on Instagram on March 12 that it will be closing its permanent and pop-up locations in New York, Los Angeles, London and Atlanta for at least two weeks because of the outbreak. The opening of its Arizona store, which was scheduled to open on March 18, has now been postponed.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren has canceled his upcoming fall 2020 fashion show scheduled for April in New York. The designer had skipped out on last month’s New York Fashion Week, revealing he would instead be showing at an unspecified time in April.
Burberry
Burberry has postponed its fall 2020 Shanghai show, which was initially slated for April 23. The show was meant to debut exclusive pieces made for the region. A new date has not yet been revealed.
Hermès
Hermès has canceled its resort 2021 show in London on April 28.
The design house of also canceling its annual Saut Hermès show jumping competition slated for March 20 to 22 at the Grand Palais in Paris.
Versace
Versace has decided to postpone its coed cruise 2021 show slated for May 16 in the U.S.
The design house’s released a statement explaining it is “conscious of the need to prioritize the health and safety of its guests and employees and will inform all parties involved on new plans as soon as possible.”
Gucci
Gucci has canceled its cruise 2021 fashion show in San Francisco on May 18, the design house revealed on March 2, due to the “ongoing uncertainty prompted by the coronavirus outbreak, as a precautionary measure.” The design house stated it will reveal a new date and location at a later time.
On March 10, chief executive officer Marco Bizzarri announced he would be making a personal donation of 100,000 euros to a range of hospitals in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region to help combat the virus.
The design house then announced on March 12 that it will close its six Italian production sites until March 20 as a precautionary measure. The decision comes after the country went on lockdown on March 9 in an effort to contain the virus.
Prada
Prada also plans to postpone its upcoming resort 2021 show, which was initially planned for May 21 in Japan.
“The decision was made as a precautionary measure as well as an act of responsibility and respect for all the people working on and planning to attend our resort 2021 show,” the company said.
The design house will reveal a new location and date at a later time.
Max Mara
Max Mara has canceled its resort 2021 show in St. Petersburg on May 25.
Read about Fashion Week affected by Coronavirus pandemic here
This article originally appeared on WWD
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