Written by Marianna Cerini, CNN
As the novel coronavirus outbreak continues to wreak havoc globally, its economic impact is increasingly being felt across major industries, including fashion.
“We will actively search for (new) times and ways, and maintain close communication with partners who care for and support Shanghai Fashion Week,” read the post. “We will strive to promote the development of the fashion industry,” the statement continued.
China Fashion Week, the country’s other major fashion event in Beijing, scheduled to start on March 25, has yet to publicly announce if it will postpone or cancel its event. CNN has reached out for comment.
More importantly, it has also served as a platform for some of China’s most notable and well-known designers, from LVMH Prize finalist Ximon Lee to Angel Chen, “Next in Fashion” contestant and the first Chinese designer to ever launch a collaboration with H&M.
Backstage before the Ximon Lee show at London Fashion Week Men’s Autumn/Winter 2017. Credit: Nicky J Sims/Getty Images
Shanghai’s absence on Asia’s fashion month calendar will no doubt set back an entire roster of creatives that was counting on its luster, not just in terms of visibility, but also in securing buyers for their collections.
China Fashion Week, too, will likely suffer if a cancellation does happen. Less internationally established, the event has recently been positioning itself as a hub for young designers, and showed new efforts to amplify its global reputation by partnering with the China edition of Women’s Wear Daily (WWD).
Upending fashion month
It’s not just Chinese fashion weeks that have taken a hit.
Travel restrictions and warnings from various countries, to try contain the spread of the virus, means a host of Chinese designers, buyers, magazine editors and models have not or will not be able to attend the autumn/winter 2020 shows.
In New York, where fashion week ends today, there was no bow from designers Lena Luo and Ekcee Chan after the show from their brand Luooif Studio on Monday. Instead, one of their assistants brought a laptop to the runway that showed photos of the duo on its screen.
Designers behind Luooif Studio shown via video chat during New York Fashion Week on February 10, 2020 in New York City. Credit: Noam Galai/Getty Images
And Paris’ schedule has seen six designers drop out: Masha Ma, Shiatzy Chen, Uma Wang, Calvin Luo and Maison Mai.
Designer Angel Chen on the runway of the her show during Milan Fashion Week on February 21, 2018 in Milan, Italy. Credit: Victor Boyko/Getty Images
Remote fashion experiences
European fashion week organizers are looking for ways to ensure Chinese buyers can still play an active role in the upcoming shows.
Customers lining up in front the Louis Vuitton store in Shanghai, China. Credit: Alex Tai/SOPA Images/Getty Images
Top image caption: Models showcase designs on the runway during the Ji Cheng Collection show during A/W 2019 Shanghai Fashion Week.
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