Omicron Threatens Upcoming Fashion Shows
MILAN- The daunting dark cloud, COVID-19 canceled 2022 fashion shows. The virus is making a reappearance this season as the Omicron variant caused another rise in COVID-19 cases. Designers such as Giorgio Armani and Brunello Cucinelli have canceled their highly anticipated upcoming shows.
Armani Cancells Shows for Fall/Winter 2022-2023
The plan to showcase the Fall/Winter 2022-23 Giorgio and Emporio Armani collections during Milan Men’s Fashion Week is canceled. Instead, the brand announced its shows would be canceled to prevent the further spread of the virus. Giorgio Armani has even canceled the Prive Haute Couture show in Paris.
The fashion house said, “As the designer has expressed on many occasions, the shows are crucial and irreplaceable occasions, but the health and safety of both employees and the public must once again take priority.”
The Surge of Covid-19
Data collected by the Italian Department of Civil Protection and reported by the New York Times revealed Italy currently has 189,088 new cases of COVID-19 with a daily average of 128,801.
France has experienced a “supersonic” rise in COVID-19 cases and has declared a health state of emergency in some areas. The French National Public Health Agency data disclosed a reported record of 271,686 new COVID-19 infections this past Tuesday in just 24 hours.
More Cancellations
Brunello Cucinelli also canceled its shows at Milan Men’s Fashion Week and Pitti Uomo. In an exclusive with Women’s Wear Daily, Brunello Cucinelli said that the spread of COVID-19 “has pushed the fashion house to a difficult decision, but one believed to be indispensable.”
Restrictions in Place
Shows not canceled are to follow protocol by France’s Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. Restriction requirements include masks, full vaccines, social distance, and a negative test to enter the country.
Shows in Febuary are not canceled and are continuing with canceled shows reschedualed based on Covid-19 cases.
Photo Credit: Armani