NYFW in the Digital World

 Like so many other major events of the year, New  York Fashion Week is adjusting the current times of being in the midst of a pandemic and a largely digital world. NYFW, which is occurring this week, usually brings thousands of models, celebrities, and other A-listers to the city and to the designer shows, where people sit side by side in close quarters and attend after parties with no social distancing.

While some designers are moving forward with socially distanced shows, many others are choosing the digital route to showcase their new collections. Many of the virtual events are being broadcast through a new digital platform called Runway360 created by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Many people are choosing to see the benefits of digital shows, including the more sustainable features as well as the ability to reach more viewers than what is normally possible. Smaller designers are also able to showcase their collections without fighting for time slots and venues that more prominent labels are booking, and they have more room for creativity without the usual costs. Younger audiences are also being reached through the involvement of apps like TikTok, which is taking part in its own fashion month through partnerships with major designers.

While the fashion world has been making the shift to digital for a while now, this disruption to one of the most valued traditions does raise questions about what other changes are to come.