Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more
Runway fashion shows ? They are so last year, according to Gucci .
In news that will send shock waves through the fashion industry, the luxury Italian powerhouse has announced that it is officially stepping away from fashion week and the concept of seasonal shows.
In a virtual press conference broadcast from his Rome studio, the brand’s creative director, Alessandro Michele , announced that Gucci is reducing the number of fashion shows it holds each year from five to just two.
Commenting on the fashion calendar, Michele said he would no longer adhere to the rota of spring/summer, autumn/winter, cruise and pre-fall shows, saying: “I think these are stale and underfed words. Clothes should have a longer life than that which these words attribute to them.
“So much outrageous greed made us lose the harmony and the care, the connection and the belonging.”
The comments followed a series of personal diary entries posted on Gucci's Instagram account in which Michele said he feels the “need of a different time, released from other-imposed deadlines that risk to humiliate creativity”.
“I will abandon the worn-out ritual of seasonalities and shows to regain a new cadence, close to my expressive call,” Michele wrote.
“We will meet just twice a year, to share the chapters of a new story. Irregular, joyful and absolutely free chapters, which will be written blending rules and genres, feeding on new spaces, linguistic codes and communication platforms.”
Currently, Gucci has no plans to host a fashion show in September, when the Gucci collection would normally be staged as part of Milan Fashion Week.
Saint Laurent , also owned by Kering, Gucci's parent company, has previously suggested it too is considering leaving the fashion calendar behind.
In a statement last month, its head designer, Anthony Vaccarello , said the brand would “take control” of the fashion schedule, “conscious of the current circumstances and its waves of radical change”.
Over the past few weeks, the coronavirus pandemic has prompted the fashion industry to consider its future, with a host of designers and industry leaders calling for change.
Show all 52 1 /52All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Billy Porter The Pose star attended the Christopher Kane show at London Fashion Week wearing a spring-themed floral coat, donning a block coloured top underneath and a pair of heeled boots.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Eve The rapper donned a Christopher Kane 'Techno Sexual' T-shirt for the fashion show, completing her look with a frilled skirt and cut-out heeled shoes.
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Alexa Chung The fashion designer took heed of the oversized sartorial trend, opting for a large black blazer and black kitten heels.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Sinéad Burke The writer and activist wore a floral skirt and black top for the Christopher Kane runway, layering with a tan overcoat and accessorising with a pair of red, suede heels.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Sheila Atim The actor and model oozed glamour in a black frilled dress, adding a burst of colour with a red lip.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Sinéad Burke and Sheila Atim The pair posed together as they sat at the Christopher Kane show.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Eve, Honey Dijon and Billy Porter The trio were captured sitting by the catwalk.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Naomi Ackie The Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker actor looked opulent in a white, structured coat with a feathered trims down the arms, wearing black trousers underneath.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Zawe Ashton and Alison Sudol The actors stood out on the 'frow', Ashton in a coral, satin gown and Sudol in a black starry skirt, white shirt and carrying striking red handbag.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Pixie Geldof The model decided to go down the casual route for London Fashion Week, wearing a graphic sweater, pale blue jeans and black heeled boots for the Christopher Kane showcase.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Takashi Murakami, Anja Rubik, Holli Rogers and Edward Enninful The contemporary artist, supermodel, BrownsFashion.com CEO and British Vogue editor-in-chief were sat together on the front row for the International Woolmark Prize 2020 at London Fashion Week.
Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images for Woolmark
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Edward Enninful, Sinéad Burke and Hamish Bowles Enninful, Burke and Bowles posed for the camera at the International Woolmark Prize 2020.
Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images for Woolmark
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Sigrid The singer mastered the denim-on-denim trend wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and an embellished denim jacket, completing her look with a pair of black and white heels and a white top.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Sheila Atim, Jessie Ware and Maxim Magnus The actor, singer and model were sat together at the Christopher Kane show.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Naomi Shimada The model and author dressed vibrantly for the Christopher Kane show, standing out in a bright, pink coat.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Maisie Williams and Reuben Selby The Game of Thrones star and her boyfriend, the co-founder of modelling agency Contact Agency, attended the Christopher Kane show together, Williams in a black mini dress.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Jourdan Dunn The model opted for a patterned, ensemble for her appearance on the front row.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Jessie Ware The singer dressed in black and silver for the Christopher Kane catwalk, opting for minimal accessories.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 James Norton The Little Women actor dressed down for the Christopher Kane show, going for an all-black ensemble with a burst of green.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Imogen Poots The That Awkward Moment star looked intergalactic in her London Fashion Week outfit, wearing a pair of wide-legged red trousers, a graphic T-shirt and red, tassled heels.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Honey Dijon The DJ and producer, who is highly-regarded for her sartorial style, appeared at the Christopher Kane show wearing an all-black ensemble, save for a pair of bright, white shoes.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Grace Carter The singer songwriter put her best first foot in a pair of white boots and a black, starry night dress.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Erin O'Connor, Alexa Chung and Pixie Geldof O'Connor, Chung and Geldof appeared at ease as they were pictured together on the 'frow'.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Erin O'Connor The model showed off her chosen ensemble for London Fashion Week, which featured a blue, white and silver pleated gown and a black blazer.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Viscountess Emma Weymouth The <i<Strictly Come Dancing star looked elegant in a black lace and white dress at the Christopher Kane show, carrying a purse embossed with the slogan 'More Joy'.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Edward Enninful and Dena Giannini The editor-in-chief and style director of British Vogue were pictured together on the front row for Christopher Kane.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Derek Blasberg, Zawe Ashton, Naomi Ackie, James Norton, Imogen Poots and Alison Sudol The stars made for a fashionable ensemble as they were captured taking their seats for the show.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Caroline Daur The fashion blogger and model refrained from adding any colour to her Fashion Week look, dressing in white and black for the Christopher Kane catwalk.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Anna Wintour The Vogue editor-chief removed her signature sunglasses while sitting on the front row at the Erdem show, wearing a floral, high-neck dress and a suede coat.
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Charlie XCX The singer was all about the frills at the Erdem catwalk, donning an eye-catching floral dress and black boots.
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Alexa Chung The fashion designer went for an understated look in a polka dot dress, accessorising with a pair of pointed heels.
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Pixie Geldof The model brought a casual look to London Fashion Week, wearing a light blue, flower-patterned cardigan with a pair of jeans.
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Courtney Love The singer songwriter looked refined in a grey coat at the Erdem show.
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Kristen McMenamy and Courtney Love The model and singer contrasted one another on the front row, McMenamy in a bold, green and white dress and Love in a grey and black ensemble.
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Erin O'Connor The fashion model looked striking in a red, white and black ensemble, adding a touch of sophistication with a pair of long, black gloves.
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Edward Enninful, David, Romeo, Cruz and Harper Beckham David Beckham beamed as he sat with three of his four children at Victoria Beckham's Autumn/Winter 2020 London Fashion Week show, while British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful looked at his phone.
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Anna Wintour Despite gaining a reputation for her stoic demeanour, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was all smiles as she attended the Victoria Beckham runway, wearing a tan coat, brown patterned dress and her signature dark shades.
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Edward Enninful and Romeo Beckham The British Vogue editor-in-chief spoke with the second-born Beckham during Victoria Beckham's fashion show.
AFP via Getty Images
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Vanessa Redgrave, Sheila Atim, Cate Blanchett, Sinéad Burke, Joely Richardson, Zawe Ashton and Sandy Powell These famous women made for a powerful ensemble when they were photographed together at the Roksanda show
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Vanessa Redgrave, Sheila Atim, Cate Blanchett and Joely Richardson Oscar winner Cate Blanchett was caught in conversation with fellow actors Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson and Sheila Atim at the Roksanda catwalk, Blanchett wearing a pale blue and cream outfit.
Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Cate Blanchett, Anna Wintour and Caroline Rush The Vogue editor-in-chief appeared highly amused as she and Caroline Rush, the chief executive of the British Fashion Council, shared a laugh at the Roksanda show.
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Cate Blanchett The Carol actor looked on as a model showcased a Roksanda creation from the designer's Autumn/Winter 2020 collection.
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Sandy Powell Costume designer Sandy Powell attended the Pam Hogg show at London Fashion wearing a cream suit autographed by an array of stars. Powell is planning on auctioning the suit for charity to raise money for The Art Fund Initiative.
Ian West/PA Wire
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Abdel Queta Tavares Fashion stylist Abdel Queta Tavares, who goes by the name 'The Man Behind The Red Hat' on Instagram, donned his signature multiple red hats while sitting on the front row for Underage's runway show.
Aaron Chown/PA Wire
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Jaime Winstone Actor Jaime Winstone put together a cool, casual look for the Pam Hogg show at London Fashion Week, combining a brown, cropped, leather jacket embossed with flame imagery with a yellow corseted top, a pair of leather-look trousers and a lip-shaped clutch.
Ian West/PA Wire
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Jaime and Ray Winstone Jaime Winstone was pictured with her father, Ray Winstone, who opted for an all-black ensemble.
Ian West/PA Wire
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Amber Le Bon Despite the grim weather February has had to offer, fashion model Amber Le Bon showcased a summery look at the Preen by Thornton Bregazzi show, wearing a duck egg blue wrap top, a white lace skirt and strappy heels.
Katie Collins/PA Wire
All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Joanna Kuchta Instagram star Joanna Kuchta sat on the front row at the Mimi Wade catwalk wearing a printed mini dress, designed with a black lace hem.
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Talia Storm Singer Talia Storm appeared to take inspiration from the 1970s with her look at the Pam Hogg show, styling her hair in a crimped fashion and wearing pair of flared trousers, an off-the-shoulder top and a pair of chunky, zebra-printed heels.
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Billy Porter, Adwoa Aboah and Michael Ward The Pose star chatted with the model and activist during the Central Saint Martin's MA show, during which a digitally-generated version of Aboah was unveiled.
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Jessie Ware, Mahalia, Laura Whitmore and Ella Eyre The stars sat on the front row while in attendance at the Central Saint Martin's MA show at London Fashion Week.
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All the stars on the front row at London Fashion Week February 2020 Gabby Allen and Olivia Atwood The Love Island stars sat on the front row at the Oh Polly Fashion Show By Planet Fashion, Allen in a coral blazer and Atwood in a pair of black, velvet leggings and a knitted top.
Getty Images for Oh Polly LTD
Earlier this month, a number of major fashion brands, including Dries Van Noten, Erdem, Altuzarra and Proenza Schouler, signed an open letter that proposed a clear plan to transform the fashion industry by switching the seasonal calendar around and cutting back on sales.
“Put the autumn/winter season back in winter (August/January) and spring/summer season back in summer (February/July),” the letter read.
“Create a more balanced flow of deliveries through the season to provide newness but also time for products to create desire. Finally, discount at the end of the season in order to allow for more full-price selling – January for autumn/winter and July for spring/summer.”
Elsewhere, the British Fashion Council confirmed that a new digital version of London Fashion Week is being launched during the previously scheduled dates for London Fashion Week: Men’s – which was due to take place between 12 and 14 June 2020 – in light of the pandemic.
Instead of physical shows, the event will be completely digital, with content such as interviews, podcasts and digital showrooms rolling out on londonfashionweek.co.uk .
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