September : Fashion Week Looks The Same, But Is it?
We’ve come through the first waves of digital representation for fashion week amidst COVID19 - the rather quick approach was the result of safety precautions taken by the government to “Flatten The Curve” of what seemed to be an aggressive rise in infections, but more importantly, deaths.
Image provided by flare.com
Designers across the spectrum of fashion within the industry presented their creative take on Digital shows - amongst those who successfully adapted; Loewe, Balmain, Maison Margiela, Dior Men, Gabriela Hearst, and of course, who could forget Hanifa and their viral 3D show earlier this year.
The concept or idea of solely presenting collections on the runway, but digitally - honestly had many of us up in arms - the runway, the community, the art, has been rooted in the pride of sitting front row, being bombarded by photographers on the street for your overly thought out but carefully executed fashions, and of course, the day after “Who’s Who” post from bloggers and media outlets,and yet, we survived.
So now that we are looking at September (which has been shortened to 3 days the 14th -16th according to CFDA ) and continuing with the digital space, it’s to be expected that we will see a small return to physical shows and community while maintaining an emphasis on live streams and virtual shows.
Production companies, creative directors are all facing a very exciting time in fashion - there are no rules, the old way of doing things, for the moment, is suspended - even the calendar itself has no room in this innovative time.
From live look books, 3D runways, virtual reality as a means of attendance, and yes even live streams via your favorite social media platforms, the space for Collection Review is open to variety.
The intricate and anxiety inducing task of producing high caliber shows via the internet can be a game changer for many - the predicting of glitches, the testing of sites, overload back house prep, lighting, graphics, it's all still very complex - kudos to those doing this seamlessly, and a big “ You can do this” from us here at Access to those who are figuring it out along the way.
Whatever happens next in fashion, one thing is for sure, Fashion will remain the Best Friend we all need.
The Iconic Victoria’s Secret Will Shutter 250 of its Stores
The coronavirus pandemic has effected business worldwide forcing them to make tough calls that can either impact them now or in the future. Victoria Secret along with its parent company, L Brands are facing a major dilemma resulting in store closures.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced countless businesses to file for bankruptcy. Many are struggling to make ends meet and keep up with finances, resulting in drops in sales, leaving them hopeless with nowhere to turn.
The iconic Victoria’s Secret is closing down 250 stores in shopping centers and other locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Victoria’s Secret is prestigious for its women’s lingerie, fragrance, body care, accessories and athletic and loungewear. The brand is also notorious for its celebrated Angels and fashion events. Victoria Secret’s products are sold in more than 1,600 stores worldwide and online at VictoriaSecret.com
The store has continuously seen a drop in sales amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Along with its stores closures, the brand’s parent company, L Brands, will eliminate 22% of the company’s 1,091 stores along with 1.26 million square feet of real estate, according to ABC News.
Victoria Secret’s CEO Stuart Burgdoefer has indicated that there will be additional store closures in the future saying: “We would expect to have a meaningful number of additional store closures beyond the 250 that we’re pursuing this year, meaning there will be more in 2021 and probably a bit more in 2022.”
Bath & Body Works, another brand under the mass retailer is also expected to close 50 stores nationwide and one in Canada.
Although Bath & Body Works climbed 20% in soap and sanitizer sales, L Brands dropped 37% in sales across its brands during its first quarter of business amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to ABC News.
Victoria Secret shoppers expressed their concerns and frustrations on Twitter with one user saying: “#VictoriaSecret I was rooting for you, we were ALL rooting for you.”
While another person tweeted: “that’s what I’m saying they want us to buy that shit where???? Walmart? #dobetter @vsactu @VSPINK @bathbodyworks like ok u want us roaming around smelling like that bootleg perfume from urban planet? Mhmh ok.
As you can see loyal customers are not too happy about the stores closures and their clearly not having it.
With the stores closures in effect, definitely expect to see MAJOR sales. STAY TUNED!!!
Report: Juana Norales Instagram: @juana.n_
Things Aren't so Glamorous for Neiman Marcus
Things for high-end fashion brand Neiman Marcus aren't looking so pretty right now.
Things for high-end fashion brand Neiman Marcus aren't looking so pretty right now. Last Thursday, it was revealed that the company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, after previous reports were rumored in mid-April. Prior to this, the brand was already four million dollars in debt. CEO Geoffroy Van Raemdonck made a statement to CNBC saying, "Like most businesses today, we are facing unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed inexorable pressure on our business."
According to the Financial Post, the paperwork was filed in a Houston courthouse. Neiman Marcus and their creditors agreed to a $675 million dollar financial aid package to help the company restructure. In addition, they also agreed to a second package of $750 million dollars from creditors. This would not only help with their bankruptcy, but also supply extra liquidity for them, when they eventually recover from their struggles. Lastly, this deal completely puts the creditors in charge of the business, and will have them become the majority owners this fall, once the company is likely to recover.
Neiman Marcus is one of many major brands and companies struggling financially during 2020's COVID-19 pandemic. J-Crew also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy recently. However, Neiman Marcus was experiencing some struggles prior to the pandemic, which naturally increased once the pandemic hit. As per Bloomberg, Neiman Marcus had started closing outlet stores in March, and 500 jobs were cut within the operation.
Report: Corine Gauthier
Sustainable fashion : Reuse - Recycle - Reimagine - What is sustainable fashion?
Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world and will only continue to increase.
Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world and will only continue to increase. When consumers online shop and add items to their cart, the only thought in their mind is the excitement for when the package will come in and tracking the order as soon as possible. When pressing confirm order, what some don’t understand is that workers will undergo awful conditions to make sure every customer receives their items. There is little knowledge that people know about how sustainable the production of our everyday clothes, accessories, and shoes are made.
Too many companies either overproduce and sell too much of the same product when trends come and go every season, which eventually reside in landfills. They don’t understand the impact that they are creating on supply chains. Some brands have started to make clothes more biodegradable but for those who don’t, these clothes that don’t break down as easily sit in piles of millions of other clothes. H&M is now sharing publicly the country in which production is taking place, the number of workers that are in the factory, the names of these factories and addresses, as well as where the garments from their company are made.
Rent the Runway is helping tackle this issue. This ‘Designer Rental Subscription’ sounds strange at first, but it is a rental store and site in which you can actually rent designer dresses, shoes, shirts, accessories and anything you can think of for 4-7 days. Patagonia, claimed as the “Gucci of outdoor wear” preaches an anti-fashion environmental message. Patagonia has taken over 90 million bottles from these landfills. From their one billion dollars in revenue each year, they use a percentage of these sales to donate towards the “earth tax.” There are companies that; don’t exploit children laborers in factories, increase their quality in clothing by not destroying the environment and have created products to last season after season. There is a higher price tag when you buy, but saving money towards this is not only worth it in the long run for you, but is a small step towards the environment.
(Photo Source: Businessoffashion.com, nytimes.com, Forbes.com)
Report: Pamela Valdez
Retail Stores Face COVID-19
How retail stores are facing closures and surviving via e-commerce - barely.
As the infectious COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the world, millions are being affected including families, the stock market and businesses. Some of the most popular and famous retail stores such Macy’s, Kate Spade, Coach, Victoria’s Secret, Apple, Urban Outfitters and more. Facing closures, changing certain policies and suspending returns, have all been some of the consequences faced by these major companies due to the coronavirus. It may be weeks, or even several months before stores will be able to open up once again. This raises the question, how will these stores survive via online shopping during this?
Retailers have been offering free delivery fees and raising their online sales to increase the attention of everyone at home with nothing much to do. Companies have even made the most of this pandemic by creating positive headlines for these sales such as the multi-channel retailer Missguided, “Plans that aren’t cancelled: Taking selfies in new clothes.” For those who own small businesses who cannot move to ecommerce, are still offering pick-ups for customers, no restaurant dining, and home deliveries. No one is sure of how soon the public will be able to return back to their previous lives of going out. For now, this remains as the new “norm” as this pandemic continues to affect thousands.
(Photo Credit: RetailTouchPoints.com, WGNTV.com, ABCNews.go.com)
Report: Pamela Valdez
19 Women-Owned Small Businesses to Follow
In the midst of influencers, department stores, fast fashion, and big beauty brands, it can be easy to forget how important it is to support small businesses.
In the midst of influencers, department stores, fast fashion, and big beauty brands, it can be easy to forget how important it is to support small businesses. They help shape and support our communities, and put more focus on the quality and craftsmanship of their products. The Small Business Association states that independent businesses can help reduce unemployment rates, and estimates that “small business owners create two out of every three net new jobs in the U.S, [which could increase] if consumers shifted just 10 percent of their business to local organizations.” Next time you are about to buy something from a large corporation, take a moment to think how you could be supporting these 19 (women-owned!) small businesses instead.
Fashion
• @Digitalkenteshop (Fitness Wear)
• @shopmucho (Latin-Inspired Clothing, Accessories, & Décor)
Jewelry
Beauty
Report: Libby Ayers
Retail Therapy - The Myth Has Become Reality
How Consumers Are Flocking to the Web During Quarantine.
As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, some of our favorite beauty brands and retailers are temporarily closing their stores to help prevent the virus from spreading. While in-store shopping is no longer available, many brands are still offering online services, as it is virtually impossible for the virus to survive throughout transit. If you suffer from anxiety and depression, experiencing higher levels during these challenging times is common. As it turns out, a little retail therapy is a proven way to help combat these issues.
According to Psychology Today, online shopping can provide a sense of relaxation and escape, as it is a mindless and calming activity. Another study from the Journal of Consumer Psychology notes that retail therapy can be beneficial in providing a sense of control and stability when you feel like you have no control over your environment. A handful of brands are even offering incentives to stay safe and socially distanced during these times such as free shipping. Many department stores, including Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, closed their stores and are continuing with online services, and are still providing their employees with benefits and regular pay. Also, many beauty brands such as Glossier, Kiehl’s, Benefit Cosmetics, and many others are implementing the same policies. When engaging in retail therapy, supporting companies that ensured the health, safety, and security of their employees can help them to lead by example of what it means to protect employees during the current unforeseen circumstances the world is facing, and also for the future.
Report: Libby Ayers
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.