No invitation cards, no shuttles to shows, no cameras clicking, no front row seats, no influencers or street style. In a first among firsts in fashion, the
No invitation cards, no shuttles to shows, no cameras clicking, no front row seats, no influencers or street style. In a first among firsts in fashion, the Autumn/Winter 2020 Haute Couture shows — normally held in Paris — were egalitarian, presented online for everyone to see.
Over these past few months, fashion has strained to see what would become of the industry in the age of COVID-19. At a time when many people are barely leaving their houses — not to mention not dressing up — can fashion maintain its relevance? This week, couture designers made the argument that the answer is yes.
Fédération de la Haute Couture de la Mode coordinates Paris Fashion Week, upholds haute couture standards and oversees the shows — and it allowed this season’s couture collections to be presented digitally, rather than in their traditional in-person, in-Paris setting.
The virtual venue allowed Arab, European and Asian designers to creatively collaborate with filmmakers and digital artists to unveil their collections or offer a sneak peek into collections that will come later this year. But shows don’t come cheaply; they can range anywhere between $200,000 to over $1 million. The decision of whether and how to show was weighed carefully by designers.
Lebanese couturier Georges Hobeika was the only Arab designer to show a full collection, though fellow Lebanese designers, Maison Rabih Kayrouz and Elie Saab, showed previews.
