While a few “physical” events will still be happening, the majority of the shows and presentations will be showcased online via a new platform
With few, if any, in-person shows or presentations likely to take place during New York Fashion Week when it happens in mid-September—the city has entered phase 4 of reopening, but indoor gatherings of substantial size are still prohibited—the CFDA is building a new digital platform, Runway360, to connect American designers and brands with the media, retailers, and consumers. “Think about when we centralized Fashion Week with the tents 25 years ago, said Steven Kolb, the CFDA’s president and CEO, during a Zoom presentation of the new concept. “This is similar to that, we’re just creating this centralized hub.”
Following Milan Fashion Week’s transition to a combination of physical and virtual events, it comes as no surprise that the New York Fashion Week will be adapting to a fully digital platform for the Spring 2021 season
The Council of Fashion Designers of America has introduced RUNWAY360, a digital initiative that will allow designers to showcase their collections to both industry professionals and the general public. It comes as a response to the ongoing pandemic, of which the fashion industry has been a major sufferer.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the global fashion industry and hit New York particularly hard,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, in a statement. “Fashion week is a critical time when brands are able to connect with press, retailers and consumers, and I’m proud of how quickly the CFDA pivoted to support the needs of the industry by creating Runway360.”
While designers like Marc Jacobs have decided to forgo the Spring-Spring 2021 showcase altogether, other notable names such as Tom Ford, Jason Wu, Carolina Herrera and Eckhaus Latta will be making an appearance.