When COVID entered our vernacular, it changed everything. Traditional activities and events were postponed or canceled altogether. When events did return, showrunners announced new restrictions. This fall, New York Fashion Week returned but looked a lot different than in years past. The New York Institute of Beauty expects many of these changes to stay in place for the foreseeable future.
Vaccination Requirements
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) organized NYFW and posted guidelines before the event to ensure the safety of participants. CFDA released a statement in August 2021 announcing plans to follow mandates given by the Department of Health and require proof of vaccination for staff and guests. In place of vaccination cards, some designers asked for negative COVID-19 tests.
Masks were encouraged but not mandated by all showrunners. However, the CFDA advised that guidelines consistently evolve, and mask requirements may change. Furthermore, many showrunners performed temperature checks for any individual entering the building.
Lower Guest Numbers
Exclusivity became a norm at the latest NYFW shows. The CFDA recommended that shows cap attendance numbers to promote social distancing. In the past, many shows boasted minimum attendance numbers of 500. However, due to COVID, attendance was capped between 150 and 300 for most shows. Industry professionals were in attendance, but a limited number of fans and friends of the designer. RSVPs were strict for those invited. In addition, NYFW events did not permit last-minute audience additions at all this year.
Another way to reduce the number of people in a room at NYFW was to forgo models. As an example, designer Dreu Beckemberg used mannequins to showcase his designs. Instead of a traditional runway, he held the show like an installation where guests could roam from design to design.
Some designers decided to forgo showing at NYFW altogether, citing COVID as the reason. Some big-name designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, and Ralph Lauren were just a few designers who didn’t participate in NYFW. Instead, designers worked on virtual options to showcase new lines.
No matter what NYFW looks like in the future, the event will always need makeup artists and hairstylists. The New York Institute of Beauty and the NYIB Make Up Team prepare students to create memorable runway looks to boost their clout in the business.
If working backstage at events like NYFW sounds like a dream come true, contact the New York Institute of Beauty today to see how you can become part of the NYIB Makeup Team. You can also join us for the NYFW Boot Camp being held on January 20th. The goal of a Fashion Week Boot Camp is to familiarize the makeup artist and hair stylist with what to expect at a fashion show and how to perform as a professional. Contact us now to register!
