6. Gucci:
Gucci’s much anticipated Cruise 2021 Fashion Show has been postponed as a ‘precautionary measure’. It will be rescheduled for an as yet to be determined future date.
5. Chanel:
The repeat showing of the Metier d’Art show in Beijing has been postponed as has the London Haute Couture Show which was scheduled for sometime in June. There has yet to be a decision on the fashion houses’ Caprice, Italy, May 7 show although, with the entire country currently on lockdown, it is unlikely to proceed.
4. Versace:
The Versace show, scheduled for May 16, has been deferred to a later, yet to be announced date. Their headquarters are based in Milan, which is on lockdown like the rest of Italy.
For the first time in its 45 year history, Armani has pushed its Dubai 2020 Cruise show back to November. Much like many of the other fashion powerhouses, the Armani headquarters are located in Milan.
2. Vegan Fashion Week:
Originally planned for the month of April, this two-day celebration of veganism, has ultimately been postponed due to the pandemic. Vegan Fashion Week was to be followed by a big finale runway show on the evening of April 4. The long-awaited events will be pushed back to October of 2020. However, according to founder, Emmanuelle Rienda, will shift the format and live-stream the event.
Rienda explained, “I am trying to still share a message while putting the security of everybody as a first priority. As of now, the event will be streamed online with no audience and behind closed doors...It is so important to create a positive message of hope. As an activist, I cannot stay silent. This situation is directly linked to animal exploitation, like all the virus outbreaks the world is experiencing—Ebola, mad cow, swine flu [as examples].”
1. Met Gala:
Arguably one of the most important fashion events of the year, the Met Gala is attended by fashion's biggest names including Lady Gaga, Zendaya, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Cardi B. The event has taken place the first Monday in May without fail since 2005. Sadly, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has shut its doors until at least April 4th as a precautionary measure to the current health crisis. The annual red carpet event, is hosted by Vogue's editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. The event acts as a fundraiser for the Costume Institute at the museum and also marks the launch of its spring exhibition. This years theme "About Time: Fashion and Duration," was to be hosted by Lin Manuel-Miranda, Meryl Streep and Emma Stone. The exhibition will trace the history of fashion from 1870 to the present in celebration of the museum's 150th anniversary.
Whereas the physical shows may be postponed or cancelled, some designers, such as Rienda, are going virtual, with many of their runway shows being streamed online. While we all could probably use a little fun and beauty in our lives right now, everyone’s health and safety must come first.
Stay safe everyone, practice #socialdistancing, and don’t forget to wash your hands!