They are the creators behind the clothing and accessories we covet on the runways and the looks we see on our favorite celebrities. They've built socially conscious brands and enjoy a deeply loyal following. And now, like the rest of us, their worlds have been turned upside down by the COVID-19 crisis. So we wondered: how are some of the most influential designers in the fashion industry staying creative in this time of crisis?
"I am engaging with them online everyday. Right now, we are growing avocado pits together, and next week, we're going to be offering to send people seeds. We are collectively focusing on the expanse of time we have right now and finding nurturing ways to use that time to connect with each other as well as the natural world around us."
"Social media has been hugely helpful. We are also doing one-on-one Zoom shopping sessions and digital shopping nights . . . I've also been trying to go live more, sharing mom hacks and yoga sessions. I am excited to bring our amazing event energy online as we begin to host hangouts and digital shopping nights!"
"The idea of community is so important now that we are physically distancing. I've been doing daily Instagram lives to connect with design students. They are so full of incredible ideas, and it feels good to offer them feedback and a platform to share their work. They are the future of this industry. My fellow designers have also become a lifeline for me. So many people see the fashion community as a negative space, but I've always known it to be a deeply human one. Joining together to share ideas and resources has been invaluable to me."
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Carly Cushnie, Cushnie
Image Source: Courtesy of Carly Cushnie
"We are staying connected with our community of customers through social media and email. It's been important to communicate with our client base what we are doing as a brand during this time of crisis, and we hope that they will continue to support us as a small business — it is vital to our survival. We're also doing our best to give back during this difficult time and are donating a portion of our online sales to Food Bank NYC."
"We believe it's important to bring our customers along on our journey and really listen to what they need during this challenging time. In reaction, we immediately shifted our marketing to focus entirely on positivity, creativity, and color. From hosting digital color therapy classes to asking our audience to digitally paint their ceilings on Instagram to imagine a more joyful environment, we are shifting our creative energy to dream and to make an impact outside of clothing."
