13 Photos That Show How NYFW Shows Have Changed Amid Coronavirus

Jason Wu hosted a socially-distanced show in New York City, with models walking straight into the venue from the street.

Though the show certainly was not as packed as it is under normal circumstances, Wu was one of the first designers to host an in-person show last season, back in September, so it’s no surprise that he made magic happen again this season.

This month, it was a vintage farmer’s market theme, transforming the space into “Mr. Wu’s General Store.” The clothing was everything you love about fall: from cozy knits to plaid jumpers, flowing printed midi skirts to silk shirting.

Rebecca Minkoff followed suit, hosting a socially-distanced in-person presentation. Embracing today's technologies, Minkoff not only provided a stream for Zoom, but also for TikTok and Instagram simultaneously. And, what’s more, she even went live on OnlyFans, which has been seldom used for this purpose.

The clothing was boho-inspired, though with a tailored appeal. There were maxi dresses, printed flowing tops with tailored shorts, and eyelet tops with skinny leather pants.

Victoria Beckham created a collection with an eye towards wearability that debuted in a look book format this season, forgoing a presentation altogether. The designer told Vogue, “They’re about creating clothes that people want to wear and can really wear.”

She also shared that, starting this season, she would be slightly modifying her production schedule by elevating the pre-collections and starting store drops as early as May for Fall deliveries.

Ulla Johnson staged a massive show at Lincoln Center without a single audience member to speak of.

Walking through a space notably void of crowds since last year's shut down, Johnson’s collection was packed with bold colors, bright prints, and airy silhouettes that have viewers looking toward a hopeful future.

The Black In Fashion Council and IMG came together to host a showroom during New York Fashion Week this season. Taking place both in person (in both New York and Los Angeles) as well as online at nyfw.com, designers included Chelsea Paris (pictured here), Third Crown, Marissa Wilson, Beads Byaree, and more.

Jonathan Simkhai's Fall collection was inspired by Keith Haring’s body painting and a photograph by Tseng Kwong Chi. From there was born a handmade crochet lace and an army of ready-to-wear pieces that boast a subdued palette, perhaps a reflection of the times.

Presented by look book, in lieu of an in-person presentation, Simkhai's looks are also studies in contrasting materials, be it ribbed knits and luxe silk, or suede and cotton crochet.

Cinq à Sept went more bohemian with their Fall 2021 collection, presented via look book images. With a nod to the '60s and ‘70s, the designer found inspiration in an “era of free love and effortless, free fashion,” according to the show notes.

There are colorful prairie dresses, pink plaid coats, and coordinated floral suiting — all begging to be mixed and matched with reckless abandon.

Tanya Taylor also opted for a photo look book instead of a socially-distanced event. Her Fall collection was as colorful and print-driven as ever. And her reinterpretation of at-home dressing even extended to her use of pillows as props.

Alongside the pillows, held like handbags, the newest offering was full of classic Fall favorites, like matching plaid sets, oversized chunky knits, and breezy wide-leg pants.

The Chinese migrants who traveled to California during the gold rush served as inspiration for this season’s Private Policy collection, as the design duo partnered with the Museum of Chinese in America to pour through historical photos from the era.

To Vogue, they explained, “We usually talk about social issues as a brand. Maybe this is the season we can inspire and encourage people to learn about the culture and history.” With a modern color way, this Fall’s collection is filled with wide-brimmed hats, utilitarian jackets, and vests, to name a few.

Proenza Schouler debuted its Fall 2021 collection by way of live stream, which you can still watch on the brand’s website.

Full of ribbed knits, flowing midi dresses, and wrap skirts, it was a nod to their iconic previous collections, playing up the dichotomy of soft knitwear and structured separates.

With this latest collection, Proenza Schouler also officially introduced Ella Emhoff to the runway, as it was her first-ever Fashion Week show appearance.

Anna Sui harnessed the power of creative collaboration this season, adapting what she calls a “black-and-white to color moment.” She turned to Birdie Purl to hand knit ombré sweaters, Anna Castellano to hand paint denim, Monika Forsberg to paint on crushed velvet. Presented via look book, the collaboration and presentation is a view of what is to come.

Gabriela Hearst’s Fall collection was inspired by Saint Hildegard of Bingen, a Doctor of the Church, writer, composer, and renaissance woman born in 1098. Reflected in the looks were knit skirt sets, longline coats, and capes galore.

The designer is also moving towards a more sustainable model. Last year, 40% of the materials used by Hearst were repurposed and deadstock, with a goal of 50% for 2021.

This season, Zimmermann was more ‘70s inspired than ever. The brand showed their signature flouncy dresses, made of coordinated and contrasting florals, tiered and gorgeously embroidered. But they also added an army of plaid suiting, silk shirts, and flared trousers that, styled with longline coats and shearling jackets alike.

Produced like a classic runway show, it was void of an audience, set only for digital platforms to give everyone a front row seat to the action.

This Fall, Coach produced a lookbook in a series of videos, in addition to a selection of single looks, photographed still. The series of shorts were written and directed by Frances Frances, with spoofs on popular TV series from HSN to Friends. The brand has made the clothing more relatable in this way, allowing the viewer to see something that feels a little closer to home than a traditional invite-only runway show. The clothing is mountain house-meets-concrete jungle, with photos shot in both the great outdoors as well as the streets of New York City. And there’s even an appearance by Kaia Gerber’s own dog, Milo! There are ‘90s-style plaids, upcycled shearlings, baby blue clogs, and houndstooth overcoats alike. It is, truly, a collection for the every girl.

Sergio Hudson debuted a see-now-buy-now Spring 2021 collection during New York Fashion Week this season with a colorful palette that certainly turns heads. Shown in a monochromatic setting, yellow crop tops and matching pants were photographed against a yellow backdrop; orange mini dresses against the same orange; and blue silk jumpsuits in front of blue. With bright tones of silk, cutout dresses, and tie-front tops, it was an ‘80s dream, to be sure.