YouTube's First Virtual Fashion Show
Amidst the current global pandemic, Harper’s Bazaar’s Editor in Chief, Carine Roitfeld, paired up with amfAR and YouTube to put on Youtube’s first virtual fashion show. The show was a fundraiser for the amfAR fund, which is dedicated to raising money for research to fight COVID-19.
What Happened?
Due to the global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns of many major cities, an in-person show would have been impossible, so online was the way to go. Several famous models, such as Alessandra Ambrosio and Irina Shayk, sent videos of themselves walking in various designer pieces and other models featured their pets and children, which was definitely a highlight. Designer such as Diane von Furstenberg and Alexander Wang and celebrities such as Kim Kardashian-West and Hailey Bieber showed their support in videos that were featured in the video.
Another feature of the video that was very special was the inclusion of hair, makeup, and nail looks from Sam McKnight, Tom Pecheux, and Mei Kawajiri, respectively, who taught models how to doll themselves up through video tutorials, (one of which included Sam McKnight in a wig, working it with a hairdryer). There was also a walking demonstration by creative movement director Stephen Galloway, showing a nice, fun walking routine with poses for the models to do.
There was then a video montage of the models doing their makeup for the show, followed by videos from designers, an educational message about COVID-19 research from Dr. Rowena Johnston Ph.D, the Vice President and Director for Research at amfAR, another montage, this time of the models styling their hair and doing their nails, and some more videos from designers. It felt very nice to see the models doing their own makeup, since usually in fashion shows there are many makeup artists and hairstylists around the models, so this not only reflected the reality of the current state of quarantine, but also gave the viewers a glimpse into the models’ lives. Dr. Johnston’s message was also very powerful, because not only did it put a face to the show’s cause, it made the cause that much more real through explaining why there is money being raised and how that money is going to be used, which made me feel more connected. Then, the show was ready to begin.
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Natasha Poly opened the show from her living room in a beautiful gold dress. She was followed by Eva Herzigova strutting down her hallway in a black, long-sleeved, backless wonder. They were then followed by other models displaying their ensembles from various places in their homes and outside. Many models walked with their dogs, children, or both, which was adorable. The show then ended beautifully with the models clapping and thanking those on the front line in the fight against COVID-19.
Significance
Other than the fact that the show was to raise money for research to fight COVID-19, the significance of this runway show was that it brought many people in the fashion industry together. We got to see such a mix of different races, and ages and body types walking in the show, and we even got to see the individuals who work behind the scenes to make shows like these possible. Although everyone might be apart physically, we’re not apart spiritually, which is shown by how all these people in the industry came together for this show that served a great cause and to thank healthcare workers and researchers fighting against the virus. Furthermore, the video provided a lighthearted escape from our current reality, which is greatly appreciated.
Personal Highlights:
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Monster, the Dachshund, for looking fresh in his plaid vest.
The montage of the models putting on their makeup and doing their hair, since it was very real and cute.
Stella Maxwell, the French Bulldog. She deserves all of the pets.
Candice Huffine making her own salt spray when she realized she had run out; we’ve all been there.
Baby blowdrying his dad, Chad White’s, hair. Said baby then made an appearance in the show, smiling at the camera.
Inclusion of Dr. Rowena Johnston to discuss the importance of donating to fund COVID-19 research.
Models showing themselves picking out their looks for the show and looking very excited.
Oh. My. God. Miss Fame’s entryway is what dream are made of. It had stained glass, a statue of two people kissing, and a gilded ceiling.
Stella Maxwell (the human) walking out holding her dog like a baby while strutting in some colorful leggings, heels, and a leather jacket.
Jasmine Sanders’ pink coat that my seven year-old self (and my present, nineteen year-old self) would have died for. I also loved her puppy.
Although we might not be able to tell yet how this virtual fashion show will affect the future of fashion, it is certain that it has demonstrated the power of people coming together in spite of physical distance to support and raise money for a cause.
