When the impending fear of coronavirus hit Italy during the midst of Milan Fashion Week earlier this year, no one could have predicted that the virus would continue to affect the next round of fashion shows almost six months later. But as it turns out, designers aren’t prepared to take any risks.
Following news last week that London Fashion Week would be transitioning to an entirely digital platform, fashion house Saint Laurent has also announced that they will be taking a different approach, cancelling its spring ‘21 runway show and moving off schedule for the remainder of the year.
On Sunday, Saint Laurent released a statement formally calling off its scheduled Paris Fashion Week show, stating “Saint Laurent will take ownership of its calendar and launch its collections following a plan conceived with an up-to-date perspective, driven by creativity.”
Creative director Anthony Vaccarello revealed that the decision was made due to “the current circumstance and its waves of radical change,” sharing in an interview with WWD that “This season, I want to present a collection when I am ready to show it.”
“Now more than ever, the brand will lead its own rhythm, legitimating the value of time and connecting with people globally by getting closer to them in their own space and lives.”
Saint Laurent is the first major label to deviate from the traditional fashion calendar as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Whether other brands will follow suit is yet to be confirmed, but it does beg the question – how long will it be before we’ll see another physical fashion show again?
This article originally appeared on InStyle.
