The apparel industry is feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with events and trade shows worldwide being cancelled or postponed. As the virus continues to spread, organizers are prioritizing the health and safety of attendees, leading to a domino effect of disruptions in the fashion world.
In India, the second edition of Apparel Sourcing Week was one of the first to respond to the crisis, postponing the event until June. Similarly, Fibres & Yarns, a Mumbai-based industry veteran, cancelled its April 2020 edition.
China’s fashion events take a hit
The impact is particularly severe in China, where several major events have been cancelled. The March 11-13 edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics and its sister shows were called off due to the outbreak. Other notable cancellations include the Kingpins denim trade show in Hong Kong, Chanel’s Métiers d’Art show in Beijing, and both Shanghai and Beijing Fashion Weeks.
To adapt to the situation, Shanghai Fashion Week partnered with Alibaba’s Tmall to create an online platform for designers and brands to showcase their fall 2020 collections from March 24 to 30.
Global fashion weeks face challenges
The effects of COVID-19 are being felt across the globe, with many fashion weeks experiencing cancellations and withdrawals. At Paris Fashion Week, several Chinese fashion brands cancelled their events, while Milan Fashion Week saw renowned names like Giorgio Armani pull out. Major attendees, including editors from Vogue, inStyle, Elle, and Harpers’ Bazaar, also cancelled their travel plans as the virus spread in Italy.
In Japan, Tokyo Fashion Week was cancelled, and Prada refused to showcase its resort 2021 collection in the country. The Japan Sewing Machinery Manufactures Association (JASMA) postponed JIAM 2020 Osaka, a leading trade fair for apparel machinery and textiles, until 2022 or later.
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Industry-wide disruptions and adaptations
The Copenhagen Fashion Summit, focusing on sustainability, has been rescheduled, and Kingpins cancelled its Amsterdam edition. The Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s (SAC) general member’s meeting has also been affected by the uncertainty.
FESPA postponed several events, including the Global Print Expo 2020, European Sign Expo 2020, and Sportswear Pro 2020, originally scheduled for March 24-27 in Madrid. The fifth edition of Denimandjeans Vietnam, slated for May 28-29, has also been postponed.
As the world economy struggles, the fashion industry is reeling from the impact of COVID-19. With China being a major manufacturing hub, many brands have been brought to a standstill. While some events are cancelled or postponed, there is hope that the onset of summer will bring a decline in the virus’s spread, allowing the industry to recover.
For those involved in the apparel industry, the current situation means handling a complex web of cancellations, postponements, and travel restrictions. It requires flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to explore alternative platforms, such as online showcases, to maintain a presence in the market.
The Magic Las Vegas event saw a 40% drop in exhibitors from the sourcing section due to travel bans in Asia. This highlights the challenges faced by organizers and attendees alike in maintaining participation levels during the pandemic.
As the industry waits for the situation to improve, it’s clear that the impact of COVID-19 will be felt for some time. With over 700,000 infected cases worldwide, the priority remains on containing the virus and ensuring the safety of all those involved in the apparel industry.
