The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has affected all the industries globally.
Some sectors have suffered from a production shutdown, some face decrease in demand, while some have to deal with government restrictions.
In short, all the businesses have taken a hit due to the pandemic.
The fashion industry is no different; it is no surprise that the clothing business has taken a large share of the toll because it is the world’s most important industrial sector at the moment.
Manufacturing shutdown and loss of jobs:
Because of a decrease in demand and the government’s restrictions on travel and gatherings, many brands had to cancel their orders from the manufacturing factories.
This leaves the clothing factories with no choice but to suspend or fire their workers.
Stats suggest that about a million workers have already faced the heat in the form of being jobless.
Those who are still working in industries are putting their health and safety at risk since social separation is difficult during the workday.
Employers may not be executing sufficient health and safety precautions as it gets difficult to maintain social distancing while working.
Sales have plummeted:
There is a decrease in demand for clothing products; thus, the overall sales have been badly hit.
People like to dress on special occasions like weddings, parties, religious ceremonies, and road trips, but the demand has decreased as it is impossible to conduct them physically.
Because so many people work from home and spend countless hours at home, getting dressed has become less significant.
People are focused on essential items, and fashion has become their peripheral thought.
It has also given people a chance to save some money they used to spend on expensive clothes.
Call for sustainability is on the rise:
Pandemic has made people aware of the harm caused by fast fashion and that resources are gone much limited.
Aiming for sustainability is the only way to end the cycle of death, damage, and pollution right now.
Polythene bags are only a source of waste and cruelty to our planet and life that exists on our planet, and if designers want to make a profit, they must alter today.
That’s why sustainable fashion is on the rise.
Because it entails a better working environment, more equitable compensation, and the elimination of unlawful garment factories, this should serve as a wake-up signal to both customers and the industry as a whole.
The threat posed by this outbreak is a wake-up call for the fashion industry to hold back, shift away from mass manufacturing, and alter course before an even bigger crisis arises.
A shift towards online shopping:
While the pandemic situation has affected the business of many big brands, it has provided an opportunity for small online fashion brands to flourish.
Lockdown and the threat of the coronavirus prevented a large community from going to the stores physically.
Online shopping has become the mainstay.
It has given a golden chance to online clothing brands to jump into the fashion market and make their mark on this industry.
The situation has started a race to provide top-notch and highly trending fabrics online, which has helped improve the fashion industry.
People with creative minds and innovative ideas are taking maximum advantage of this opportunity.
A hit on fashion shows:
Big brands used to merchandise their products through fashion events.
Glamour shows have long been an effective form of marketing since they assist in generating excitement and expose the designers’ work to millions of people across the world due to social media and advertisements.
Models walking down the ramp rocking new styles were the main customer puller.
But now, with the covid 19 at its peak, this mode of advertising is no more applicable.
Designers have adapted by broadcasting presentations online without a live audience to showcase their fashion designs.
Evolving trends:
Fashion trends all around the globe have also changed.
Face masks have become a necessity.
Creative designs of masks have been trending as a fashion statement during the pandemic, and lots of online brands are providing high-quality masks.
In the same way, as people prefer to stay home and work online, the demand for jeans and formals has decreased.
Comfort has become a preference, so demand for comfy clothes like pyjamas has increased.
High heels, loafers, and other formal shoes have been declining in popularity for years, and analysts believe the epidemic has hastened their downfall.
While we acknowledge that the pandemic has forced the fashion industry to step outside of its comfort zone, it has also taught us to think more creatively and fluidly.
Some brands have adapted to the new world order, and they continue to survive and flourish, while some face existential crises.
The situation has also changed people’s attitudes as there is a new sense of simplicity in them.
This epidemic has prompted introspection and offered an opportunity to act differently, relate to one another, and empathize with more empathy and compassion.
The crisis, according to some important fashion businesses, is a chance to reclaim our long-lost spirit.
What ideals does a fashion house hope to be associated with and remembered for?
What do you want the fashion industry’s legacy to be?
There are appeals to consume fewer resources, recycle more, and be more environmentally friendly.
Indeed, as the globe slowly and carefully opens up again, it’s time for individuals in the fashion business to do some soul-searching, push themselves, and commit to revisiting these fundamental concerns.