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Paris Fashion Week Goes Fully Digital: A Historic Pivot Amid the Pandemic

The global health crisis forced the fashion world to adapt swiftly. As seasoned observers of the industry with over a decade covering runway events, we've witnessed the fashion sector deliver its inaugural fully digital Fashion Week—a groundbreaking moment in Haute Couture history.

This bold shift showcases the sector's resilience and ingenuity during unprecedented times.

Will this digital format match the allure of traditional shows? How exactly is this 100% virtual Fashion Week unfolding?

What Is Fashion Week?

Fashion Week—often simply called fashion week—is the annual highlight for style enthusiasts worldwide, dedicated entirely to emerging trends.

Top designers and luxury houses unveil their latest Haute Couture collections through spectacular runway presentations. Events occur twice yearly: February/March for fall-winter collections and September/October for spring-summer lines.

History's First Digital Fashion Week

A Fashion Week 2.0

For the first time, 2020's Fashion Week couldn't proceed in person. Instead, organizers launched the first 100% digital Fashion Week.

London led the charge with its digital edition in mid-June 2020.

What are the aims of this digital evolution?

  • Brands share their worlds via immersive videos.
  • Designers showcase collections on-screen.

This format spotlights creators directly, fostering deeper connections to brand values and ethos.

A Defining Challenge for Fashion

As COVID-19 reshapes industries, fashion grapples with sustainability demands, amplifying calls for eco-responsible practices.

How to Experience Digital Paris Fashion Week

The Fall Winter 2020/2021 shows moved online, with most houses releasing cinematic videos of their collections.

Platforms like social media and YouTube hosted streams, with all content archived online.

Canal+'s new 'Paris Fashion' TV channel offered interviews, concerts, and features on Fashion Week.

Visit the FHCM Paris website for the full schedule and videos.

Our Top Pick: DIOR

Our team adored Dior's short film—a true standout.

It evokes a fantastical realm with nymphs, sirens, and enchantment, masterfully highlighting Dior's exquisite craftsmanship while sparking wonder.

In "Le Mythe Dior," we're transported into their ateliers, revealing miniature silhouettes adorned with intricate, handcrafted details.

This Haute Couture nods to childhood nostalgia yet keeps the magic alive.

What was your favorite house from this pioneering Digital Fashion Week?