Did digital fashion month work? Looking back after 3 years

The fashion industry is constantly evolving and digitalization has been a significant trend for more than a few years, but with the COVID-19 pandemic fashion houses and designers were pushed to accelerate this process. With the advent of digital fashion weeks, fashion houses were able to showcase their collections digitally, fostering new creativity while allowing buyers and fashion enthusiasts to attend remotely.

The article "Did Digital Fashion Month Work for Buyers" published in July 2020 in Hypebeast covers the thoughts and opinions of leading retailers regarding digital fashion weeks. Here are five key opinions expressed in the article that we should consider again, three years later.

1. Digital fashion weeks are a valuable complement to IRL fashion weeks. The retailers believed that digital fashion weeks are not just a trend but are here to stay. With the convenience and flexibility that digital fashion weeks provide, the industry would continue to incorporate digital elements into traditional fashion shows.
2. Digital fashion weeks allow for a more democratic approach to fashion. Digital fashion weeks allow for a more democratic approach to fashion, where more brands are able to participate and anyone from anywhere can access the shows. This accessibility can also translate to sales, where designers can reach a more significant audience globally.
3. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital fashion weeks. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital fashion weeks. While some of the retailers believed that traditional fashion shows still reign supreme, digital fashion weeks will remain a significant aspect of the fashion industry.
4. The experience of attending a physical fashion show cannot be replaced. While digital fashion weeks provide convenience, many of the retailers believed that the experience of attending a physical fashion show cannot be replaced. The energy, ambiance, and excitement of a physical show cannot be replicated digitally.
5. Digital fashion weeks provide new opportunities for creativity and innovation. Digital fashion weeks provide designers with new opportunities to showcase their creativity and innovate their designs. With the use of 3D technology and virtual reality, designers can create immersive experiences that can capture the audience's attention and leave a lasting impression.

Digital fashion weeks have proven their value as a complementary piece in the industry, and the number and size of these events has grown over the past three years. One could argue that digital fashion weeks are creating a new and valuable industry, fueled by the emergence of web3 and decentralized economies. Certainly digital fashion weeks and web3 allow for a more democratic approach, as anyone can participate in digital fashion as a designer, buyer, collector and more. And the opportunities for new creativity and new revenue streams in fashion have been unlocked by the emergence of NFTs and the metaverse. We may be entering a digital golden age in fashion that will continue to blossom.

In conclusion, digital fashion weeks have been a game-changer for the fashion industry. While they have both benefits and challenges, they are here to stay, and we should look forward to the new innovations that designers will bring to these digital platforms in the future. Where will we be in another three years? The space moves fast, so we won't have to wait long to see. Look around right now. The superstar designers and iconic brands of the future are being minted today.