JW Anderson, the popular UK label, has decided to cancel its upcoming Milan runway show and instead present its menswear collection digitally. This decision has been met with disappointment by Milano Moda Uomo, the prominent Italian menswear season, as Anderson was highly anticipated to represent the influence of Milan in menswear.
In a statement, the London-based house of Anderson explained that “logistical difficulties and challenging travel situations” caused by the current developments of the coronavirus were the main reasons for their decision to go digital. The Fall/Winter Men’s collection will now be premiered on the Camera della Moda channels on Sunday, January 16 at 8:00 PM CET. However, the house made it clear that they are committed to Milan and announced plans to return in June with a physical show to present their Men’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection.
Anderson joins a growing list of designers who have canceled their runway shows in Italy this month due to concerns about the omicron variant. Despite these cancellations, Milan is still set to host 18 runway shows over five days, featuring renowned brands such as Zegna, Prada, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, DSquared2, and Etro. These brands have adapted their shows to comply with the sanitary restrictions necessitated by the ongoing pandemic, opting for more intimate presentations.
Giorgio Armani, another prominent designer, has also made the decision to cancel both his Emporio and signature collection menswear shows in Milan, as well as his haute couture show in Paris later in January. However, Milan’s menswear season will still go ahead as planned, with a packed schedule of shows and events.
The recent news from Pitti, the prominent fashion event in Florence, revealed that Ann Demeulemeester’s highly anticipated interactive retrospective celebrating the brand’s 40th anniversary had been rescheduled for the summer. Additionally, Brunello Cucinelli withdrew from the fair but will still stage a showroom presentation in Milan.
While the cancellation of JW Anderson’s Milan runway show may be a disappointment for fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders, the digital presentation will still provide an opportunity to showcase the designer’s creative vision in menswear. As the fashion world continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, brands are finding new ways to adapt and connect with their audience while prioritizing safety.
Useful links:
– For more information on Milano Moda Uomo: https://www.cameramoda.it/en/milano-moda-uomo/
– For updates on the impact of the pandemic on the fashion industry: https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/tags/topics/coronavirus
