Anna Wintour reveals how the fashion industry will have to change after coronavirus

'I think that we are all in agreement that we need to show less, that we need to have more of an emphasis on sustainability,' says American Vogue editor

Anna Wintour has spoken about how the fashion industry must change once the coronavirus outbreak is over.

Speaking to Naomi Campbell on her YouTube live-stream series, the American Vogue editor explained that the people’s values with regards to consumption will have hugely shifted, which will inevitably prompt watershed changes.

“I think it’s an opportunity for all of us to look at our industry and to look at our lives, and to re-think our values, and to really think about the waste, and the amount of money, and consumption, and excess – and I obviously include myself in this – that we have all indulged in and how we really need to re-think what this industry stands for,” Wintour said.

Campbell went on to highlight some of the major cancellations the fashion industry has been forced to withstand, such as the annual MET Gala in addition to countless fashion shows.

With regards to fashion shows, Wintour said “we are all in agreement that we need to show less”.

The revered magazine editor added that the industry also needs to put more emphasis on sustainability.

“And we need to have more of an emphasis on luxury, on creativity, and on craft,” she continued.

“We need to celebrate the art of fashion, and the design of fashion. And maybe we just need to all slow down and enjoy it much more, and not always be saying ‘what’s new?’, ‘what’s next?’. I mean, you and I have worked in this business for a long time.

“You’ve seen how it has sped up and almost to a point where you’re meeting yourself as you spin around.

“There isn’t any time to just look and think, and enjoy it. So I hope there is more of an emphasis on that.”

The 70-year-old editor's comments come after she launched a fund for those affected by coronavirus in the fashion community.

Every year, the American Vogue editor partners with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to create the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, which typically provides support to emerging talents in the industry.

However, due to the ongoing pandemic, Wintour announced that this year’s fund will be dedicated to helping young designers, seamstresses and manufacturers pay their bills as coronavirus continues to threaten their livelihoods.

Those wishing to benefit from the fund can apply online from 8 April and applicants need not be members of the CFDA.