Different fashion capitals have been finding solutions to how to go ahead with their fashion weeks at a time COVID-19 dangers still linger. New York is the latest to reveal how it plans to showcase designers’ spring/summer 2021 collections. In a statement to its members, The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced all the New York Fashion Week (NYFW) shows will be presented within three days. All the events will be hosted from September 14 to 16, with the possibility of having one extra day if there’s enough demand.
In its statement, the CFDA, which has Tom Ford as Chairman, said the shorter calendar came about as a result of the “changes we have seen from live events to digital activations, and awareness of city regulations to protect the health and well-being of everyone.” One reason cutting back the number of days seems plausible is that none of the presentations are expected to be live. "We can fit the same amount of shows into three days because of no need for travel time in between the shows," Mark Beckham, Vice President of Marketing and Events for the CFDA, told "WWD." He also highlighted the fact the shortened calendar is only for the September shows, as a decision about future ones hasn’t been made yet.
The CFDA is apparently working on a revised version of the official NYFW application for returning or new brands, which will be available in the next couple of week. Additionally, it wants to provide digital resources to help meet the needs of participating labels showcasing their collections. And as so many labels are experiencing financial straits as a result of the pandemic, the group said it would offer free listing on its Fashion Calendar for all the brands taking part, irrespective of whether or not they are CFDA members.
While talking to "WWD," Beckham also noted the financial difficulties brought on by the pandemic "may cause some designers to skip this season." As of now, Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors, two of NYFW’s chief names, have confirmed they will not show this September. Kors does, however, plan to arrange an event promoting his spring 2021 collection in October. The men’s shows, which have been pushed back twice, are also expected to be part of the calendar in September. They had originally been scheduled for June and then to coincide with the men’s trade shows in New York in July.
