How COVID-19 is reshaping the way people dress

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There is no denying that the world today is at the mercy of an invisible enemy, resulting in the global health crisis that is COVID-19. The virus spared no industry. But one of the most resilient industries that has emerged amid the pandemic is fashion. And even with all the safety protocols and restrictions, the fashion industry has found a way to adapt to the new normal.

For instance, consumers are most likely to shop with sustainability in mind, says fashion stylist Remi Landau. With the current global and political climate in mind, sustainable fashion, as opposed to fast fashion, is in. Simple clothing that takes no extra work to wash is preferred by many. Cotton, washable silk, linen, and similar fabrics are favored as these can go straight into the washing machine without one having to worry about the fabrics’ wear.

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With many people affected by the pandemic, clothing pieces that are out of touch with the current crisis are unlikely to make it into the fashion lists. Simple dresses, stylish loungewear, and workout clothes are easy staples as the world waits for the pandemic to end. As efforts and resources are being redirected to where they are most needed, consumers will be inspired to shop local, secondhand clothing. Prominent fashion designers are even conducting online workshops that encourage consumers to knit, crochet, and embroider their own clothes from their personal pile.

Remi Landau shares that fashion designers Guram Gvasalia, Rick Owens, and Donatella Versace, among others, are looking into slowing down fashion trends to create season-less fashion.

Remi Landau received her bachelor’s degree Syracuse University. She most recently worked as an assistant for a personal stylist at Bergdorf Goodman. For similar updates, visit this page.

Be on the lookout for these post-pandemic fashion trends

For concerned and informed fashion experts, the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a wakeup call for designers and manufacturers to slow down mass production and redirect their focus on sustainable fashion. The pandemic has led consumers and many designers to respect the environment more and set trends that encourage personal safety and sustainability.

The demand for personal protective equipment increased as COVID-19 broke out in the first months of 2020, says Remi Landau. The shortage in PPEs caused fashion brands to pivot their manufacturing to develop and offer PPEs to frontline workers. Consumers will be more receptive to minimalism as cleaner and simpler looks are projected to jump back in style. In addition, the minimalist approach to fashion supplements the industry’s efforts toward sustainability.

Sporty comfort tops the charts for individuals working out at home. COVID-19 has encouraged healthy living, and at-home workouts still require proper clothing for quality exercise sessions. Individuals look for workout clothes that are made from comfortable, high-quality, and soft materials.

Nostalgic fashion serves as a kind of escape as the world is faced with civil unrest, pandemic, and recession. 

The homewear wardrobe will be huge following the pandemic, as most people will opt to stay at home for a little while. Remi Landau mentions that the fashion industry saw a transition from loungewear to homewear to cater to the current demands of consumers. Designs are perfect for both at-home meetings and casual walks in the park.

Remi Landau served as an accessories intern for Harper’s Bazaar, responsible for assisting the head of digital marketing and coordinating the placement of accessories for fashion editorial shoots, For similar updates, head over to this page.

 

How the fashion world reacted to COVID-19 pandemic

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Every private and public sector reacted similarly when the outbreak of COVID-19 came to the U.S. Most businesses were shut down as employees were forced to self-isolate to prevent the further spread of the virus. The fashion world was no exception, according to fashion designer Remi Landau. However, unlike most industries that have shut down, fashion designers are doing their best to contribute whatever they can to help during these trying times.

The initial kneejerk reaction of the fashion world was expected. Stores and retail outlets have been closed, galas have been canceled, fashion shows postponed, and entire season's worth of designs left behind undrawn curtains. This has led to several executives receiving massive pay cuts, layoffs for both essential and non-essential workers in the industry, as well as some brands already filing for bankruptcy after several months of abysmal sales performance.

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While the fashion industry was in dire straits, several people in the fashion industry recognized that the coronavirus was bigger than any economic and health crisis that came before. This is why influencers such as stylist Anna Rosa Vitiello and Bettina Looney coordinated a wardrobe clear out in their Instagram stories to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. Resale sites like Vestiaire Collective gathered donations from brands like Kate Moss, Thandie Newton, and Camille Charriere to sell to donate to local charities. And all over the world, Remi Landau has read of reports where fashion designers have been helping create PPE such as face masks and face shields for frontline medical workers.

As a fashion designer in New York, Remi Landau draws upon her cumulative work experience in the fashion industry as well as her regular attendance at New York Fashion Week. She generates and sketches design ideas for social wear and nightlife clothing. For more insightful reads on fashion, visit this blog.