Fashinnovation 2020 Talks go Virtual
The fashion industry, depending on opinion has taken a shift but hasn’t slowed down due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. Energy that currently would be put towards summer shows in NYC and Paris instead has now been used to create avenues to survive as events are cancelled. This survival-mode isn’t fashion industry specific but at this point for all mankind. For some, business has found a way to operate as usual using virtual means. The Fashinnovation Worldwide talks were set to happen April 21st and 22nd 2020 in New York City. The event turned virtual summit gave 35,000 plus registered attendees a free ticket to attend two full days of panels and speakers. Host and Co-Founder Jordana Guimarães was on hand tirelessly providing the glue of introducing each participating speaker. There was even a virtual blue carpet hosted by Lucy J Norris. “Probably one of the hardest things I’ve had to do as a host both mentally and energetically…” Lucy explained in a recent Instagram post. Despite the technical challenges, all involved including Norris did a fabulous job.
Here are some very interesting gems from an event chock full of them:
“Fashion is Radical Change Via Unification”
Guest Mara Hoffman, who since launching her label in 2000 has been striving to make the brand as sustainable as possible in creating her collections in socially responsible conditions using ethically sourced along with recycled fabrics spoke on her real time feelings as a designer leading her company. “It’s been a very interesting challenge in leadership for me and I think for everyone involved in watching a company and industry that was built on certain systems collapse so quickly…”
Mara transparently explained this and how her company is currently dealing with furloughing employees, along with both salary and budget cuts. The decision has also been made to cancel production of their upcoming Fall collection. The label will focus on all the inventory they have for spring which due to shipping delays of Covid-19 was already coming in late. Mara brought many good points to light that many designers deal with. What happens when buyers don’t pick up a collection, the ramifications of a collection that doesn’t get fully sold in stores, and the risk being more on designers than the buyers. In estimation there are 63 billion dollars in return transactions from retailers to designers.
“Fashion is Inclusive and Women Empowerment in Challenging Climates”
Body positive supermodel Emme appeared on a panel alongside Arwa Alammari of Aram Designs, Lauren Chan founder of Henning, and Shelley Zalis founder of Female Quotient. You’ll recognize Emme from our previous New York Fashion Week coverage of designer Chromat and her many other hats including author of “Chicken soup for the soul: Curvy and Confident: 101 stories about loving yourself and your body. The power house model added to a very intriguing conversation not only surrounding the lack of support for plus size models in the industry but also for women in the workspace. Our favorite quote taken away from Emme, “I’m not too bossy. I have executive presence.”
“The future of the beauty industry and the shift to online services”
Alex Dickerson, CMO of the Daily Front Row hosted an intimate chat with the founder of Birchbox Katia Beauchamp. Birchbox has spent its time developing creative ways to spoil front line workers by sending them birchboxes as gifts. Katia remarks, “All small brands and large brands are now on the same playing field.” This is the time for Opportunity over opposition. When asked about the changes in grooming for men Katia replied they are adding more products as they see men actively taking more time for self-care during stay at home orders!
