NYFW: What The Virtual Platform Does for Progress

By: Andie Horowitz

September marks the beginning of fashion month, with revolutionary designers and trends emerging to the forefront of the industry. Yet this fashion month is different than any year that has come before it: it’s almost entirely virtual. As a direct result of COVID-19 related health concerns, annual fashion week events — starting in New York, then moving to London, Milan and Paris  — have shifted to an online platform. And while this shift is not what us consumers are used to, it may be exactly what we need to move forward.

Increased Accessibility and Participation

Up until now, attendance at fashion week shows have been synonymous with exclusivity. The closer a guest was seated to the front, the more elite they were considered. Access to the ins-and-outs of the industry was therefore limited to those who could afford it, promoting classist ideals and excluding a large demographic of individuals. Yet with the online platform, virtually anyone can attend. This goes far to transcend global boundaries as it allows viewers to watch the shows from any location. Many major brands have also partnered with the popular social media platform TikTok to promote attendance at and engagement with fashion week among Gen Z. 

A Surge In Sustainability

Past fashion week shows have emitted an extremely excessive amount of greenhouse gases, significantly contributing to the already pressing issue of climate change. The world of fashion needs to continue to push for a more sustainable future — just as we’ve started to see with more advocacy for renewable, upcycled fashion lines. The virtual platform created for NYFW positively contributes to this change many are advocating for. By eliminating the extravagant in-person shows of the past, the culture of fashion month leans into a more environmentally friendly future.  

A More Equitable Playing Field

Without a rigid in-person schedule, there is significantly more autonomy in choosing which shows to attend throughout the week. This disintegration of a strict brand hierarchy within fashion week allows more progressive companies to showcase their work to a broader audience. This has caused a rise in visibility around brands that focus on specific initiatives like genderless and sustainable clothing lines. Additionally, platforms like the Harlem Fashion Row, created by fashion-business woman Brandice Daniel, organized a showcase to amplify the talent of up and coming Black creators within the industry. Designers highlighted include Kristian Lorèn and Kimberly Goldson. 

While some may see a digital fashion week as a negative consequence of the pandemic, this perspective fails to identify the positive effects produced as a result. Virtual fashion week has the power to catalyze a strong progression in the world of fashion — and many organizations going forward, including the MFMS, can learn from the successful changes made within the digital platform.