The greats find a way, staying focused even in a world of chaos and uncertainty. Such was the case this season as designers on both sides of the pond stayed the course to go-to-market this season, launching their Spring 21 collections via fashion shows. While some opted for digital variations, others read-up on government guidelines, shifted their operations, enhanced their pre-show communications, minimized guest list, and held full-on fashion shows.
With bated breath, no pun intended, we watched as audiences gathered and designers continued to drive their businesses with methods familiar and new. Adjustements were made as some showed to live audiences closer to homebase such as Rick Owens‘ Phlegethon inspired collection showed adjacent to the Venetian Lagoon, a two-hour drive from his Italian factory. Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Valentino also stayed in Italy showing in Milan rather than Paris. But in both cases the show did go on, live and to live audiences.
Be it a byproduct of more time alone or the stars aligning in the creative realm, a number of design houses had some of their best collections in recent seasons, not that any of them were struggling creatively prior to Covid, but they didn’t let it slow them down.
Here are my picks for The Impression Top 12 Fashion Shows of Spring 2021 season.
Best,
Kenneth
