As the Omicron variant continues to surge in New York, there’s been an inpouring of looming questions over what will happen with the upcoming New York Fashion Week season: Will the shows be in person? Will they be digital? Are designers pulling out this season? This morning the Council of Fashion Designers of America (American fashion’s governing body) answered most of the awaited questions via a memo announcing its plans for the Fall-Winter 2022 shows set to debut on February 11th.
“The well-being of the industry is a priority to the CFDA. In partnership with IMG, the CFDA is closely monitoring the current Covid-19 surge and is working with local and state officials to ensure the health and safety of all individuals participating in New York Fashion Week.” noted in the statement shared with GRAZIA. “We understand the impact of the Omicron variant on logistics, staffing and planning leading up to the week and will support each brand’s individual decision as it relates to their February shows.”
The CFDA will be following the IMG’s COVID health and safety plan set back in September for the return of in-person shows. All individuals entering a show venue will be required to provide Covid-19 vaccinations and wear masks indoors at all times, except in designated eating and drinking areas or for models walking the runway. The CFDA and IMG will continue to honor reduced guest capacity in show venues with appropriate spacing.
For designers who opt to show digitally, RUNWAY360 continues to be our central virtual home for NYFW as it has been throughout the pandemic. Additional details and the official fashion week calendar are yet to be released for the upcoming Fall-Winter 2022 shows. Stay tuned as more information is released.
