How Fashion is Meeting the Moment

This morning I attended How Fashion is Meeting the Moment, the first installment of The New York Times month-long virtual event series, “On the Runway,” discussing the global state of fashion amidst one of the most disruptive years in recent history. I mainly attended for insight on how to structure an upcoming webinar Juana T.V. is hosting, but also because the panel included none other than Gwyneth Paltrow, Virgil Abloh, Tory Burch and Antoine Arnault, hosted by New York Times fashion critic, Vanessa Friedman.

Courtesy of New York Times.

The hour long conversation covered the future of fashion shows; sustainability practices; climate change; high-fashion / trend pieces making a comeback; diversity and inclusion; innovation amidst a global pandemic, and more. It was actually insightful to hear fashions biggest names speak on how the current state of the world has impacted their business, and the fashion world in general. In addition to being insightful, the panel was also open and honest, even when asked difficult questions.

When asked if the hiring of Kim Jones, Fendi’s new artistic director, took into consideration diversity and inclusion, Antoine Arnault, C.E.O of Berluti, hesitated, but ultimately answered “no”. However, he followed up by stating that the issues of diversity and inclusion aren’t - and shouldn’t be - quick fixes, but long-term strategies.

Watch the replay here.