The impact that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had on fashion is absolutely unprecedented. While a lot of luxury brands are doing their part in supporting medical workers in their fight against the disease, they have also had to deal with the serious consequences the crisis has had on the industry—from store closures and major disruptions in supply chains to a significant drop in consumer demand. Major annual events such as couture week and men’s fashion week in Paris, both taking place this summer, have been canceled. And now one of the most influential maisons on the Parisian calendar is entirely skipping this year’s biggest fashion event.
Saint Laurent just announced that it is dropping out of all “pre-set schedules of 2020” and will set its own pace when it comes to unveiling its new collections.
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“Conscious of the current circumstance and its waves of radical change, Saint Laurent has decided to take control of its pace and reshape its schedule,” the brand stated on its Instagram page. “Now more than ever, the brand will lead its own rhythm, legitimating the value of time and connecting with people globally by getting closer to them in their own space and lives.”
Vowing to take ownership of its own calendar the company also announced that it will present its future collections “following a plan conceived with an up-to-date perspective, driven by creativity.”
While Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello explained that this decision only affects the company’s plans for this year, he also told WWD that “there is no good reason to follow a calendar developed years ago when everything was completely different.”
“I don’t want to rush a collection just because there is a deadline. This season, I want to present a collection when I am ready to show it,” he said.
The designer did not specify when or where the next Saint Laurent show will be held.
In recent years, the company’s seasonal runway shows became some of the most anticipated events not only in the context of Paris Fashion Week but also on the cultural calendar of the city of Paris. Saint Laurent’s shows took place out in the open against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower on the Place du Trocadero that allowed tourists and bystanders to witness its massive productions that bring together celebrities, supermodels, and industry pros.
