Fashion Week is officially on for September

Covid-19 may have sent June’s menswear shows online, but the womenswear fashion weeks slated for September look like they are going ahead – at least in Paris. 

The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the governing body of French fashion, confirmed this morning that shows will be taking place in the capital between September 28 and October 6, which is almost a week later than normal. In a statement, the Fédération assured that it would “comply to the recommendations of public authorities”. 

While social distancing measures remain in place in France, the lockdown has been almost entirely lifted, per the government’s website. The brands that show in Paris include heavyweights like Chanel, Dior, and Givenchy. 

The news about September comes as major fashion brands showed themselves keen to get back to shows. Earlier this week, Burberry announced that it would stage a “live physical presentation that is open for all to experience digitally” in the British countryside, and Dior revealed plans for its rescheduled Cruise show in Italy.

Now set to take place July 22, the Dior show will not have an audience. In a press conference earlier this week, Pietro Beccari, CEO of the French house, did confirm that the brand hoped to stage a more traditional show in September with guests.

As for whether people will be willing – or able – to travel come September remains to be seen. Yesterday, it was reported that the EU is considering banning US tourists in response to the country’s failing at tackling virus.