What Does a Socially Distanced Runway Show Look Like in 2020? Let Us Show You

Published on 9/17/2020 at 3:35 PM

Jane Kim for IMG

This Fashion Week, runway shows aren't exactly a thing of the past, although most designers have chosen to debut their spring/summer 2021 collections virtually. Whether it's by way of a prerecorded fashion video or a livestream that reveals the clothes with no audience in sight, the fashion world is certainly getting innovative. But some designers — Jason Wu, Christian Siriano, Ulla Johnson, and Bronx & Banco, to name a few — have made use of outdoor locations in New York, following in the footsteps of Simon Porte Jacquemus, who set his own scene in the middle of a wheat field in Paris this July to present "L'amour."

POPSUGAR talked to Grace Rowe, director of production at IMG Focus, the company that brings NYFW to life each season, and the team at Spring Place — where Jason Wu transformed the rooftop into a tropical Tulum, Mexico, getaway — about the safety measures taken to bring the experience to life. In the few situations where shows were physical this season, precautions were put in place, as recommended by the CDC, to keep the process as streamlined as possible.

"Everyone should be patient and kind to each other during this time. Designers are trying to keep their businesses alive, and by staging shoots, shows, or producing content, they are helping to also keep others employed in the making. It's important to be understanding of each other's experience, prioritize well-being for all, and follow the guidance of health and safety staff to ensure a safe production for all," Grace told POPSUGAR, elaborating on the overall goal of a socially distanced runway show.

Read ahead to find out exactly what goes down behind the scenes, on set, and in the front row.

How Many Guests Are Allowed at a Show?

The guest count is limited at physical runway shows this season, and everyone is given clear instructions upon arrival. There are no swarms of street-style photographers set up outside, and Grace described the process like scheduling a visit to a museum where you have an allotted time. All shows start on time (Fashion Week runway shows are infamous for starting 30 minutes late when things are normal), and all guests undergo a temperature check before entry. They must also complete a health and safety questionnaire on their phones, and of course, wear a protective face mask. All hallways and elevators that must be traveled through have a capacity limit, and exiting the show is similarly well organized.

How Is the Front Row Organized?

The goal for all designers who show at Spring Studios is to have many more guests in the front row at home (aka watching virtually). Therefore, designers must trim their usual guest list, and guests that are permitted entry are spaced out from one another — not only when they're in their seats, but also upon entry and exit. Chairs must be situated six feet apart, which is great for the people in the second row, because they have a direct view to the runway. Seats are also strictly reserved.

How Do Models Get Ready Backstage?

IMG has coordinated with health and safety experts to figure out a successful backstage plan. At Spring Studios, beauty stations were separated by plexiglass dividers, surfaces wiped down constantly, and masks/face shields distributed evenly to hair and makeup artists, photographers, videographers, and designer teams that must come in contact with talent. All crew permitted backstage have also tested negative for COVID-19.

Is There a Photography Pit at the End of the Runway?

Photographers and videographers must follow the same safety plan as the rest of the crew on site. If there is a photography pit at a show, it's much smaller than usual. At the Jason Wu show specifically, for example, there was a very limited number of photographers that could fit the capacity of the riser while adhering to social-distancing guidelines.

Are Socially Distanced Runway Shows a Success?

According to Grace, preproduction for socially distanced runway shows is more challenging than show day. Cast and crew have to manage shorter timelines, be more conservative financially, and deal with unplanned changes. "I had many people comment on how smooth the on-site experience has been, without many of the regular show day issues popping up. No models running from show to show, no traffic jams, no guest delays. Many have tried to be overly organized out of necessity during this new time," Grace told POPSUGAR.