Just as we thought we would be going back to life as normal, with innumerable weddings (and some concerts) going off without a hitch this summer, it seems that COVID-19 hasn't released its inexorable hold on our lives. There's a new variant in town: welcome Delta, an odd mutation of the original virus, one that is more aggressive than its original iteration.
According to the New York Times, Hospitalizations for Americans under the age of 50 have reached all time highs, the US Virgin Islands have seen record surges, and parents are wringing their hands about sending their children back to school. CNBC adds, "Covid cases are on the rise with the U.S. reporting a seven-day average of more than 108,600 new cases per day as of Sunday, up 36% from a week earlier, according to data from Johns Hopkins University."
Over in the Fashion World (aka La La Land for some), there is ample hand wringing as well, but about New York Fashion Week. Will it happen? Will it be shut down? And what about the Met Gala?
Cities like Paris went back to in person shows earlier this year, sidestepping anxiety by reducing room capacity, finding outdoor venues, and having key influencers and editors attend the show via a Zoom like set up.
While we've all gotten used to beaming in all grades of entertainment into our homes via the internet, there's just something about that in person Fashion Show moment that truly gets the adrenaline rushing.
From the scores of photographers, to celebrity sightings, to influencers preening and peacocking, there's really nothing like it. And we miss it.
As far as New York is concerned, Fashion Week has been whittled down to 4 days vs. the usual 7 plus, taking place between September 8th and 12th. All CFDA shows will require proof of vaccination. Pretty soon many venues will require a vaccination card. New York City will require workers and patrons at indoor businesses to show proof of vaccination starting on Sept. 13, which conveniently falls one day after the end of Fashion Week.
For now, vaccinated Fashion Week attendees can breathe a sigh of relief. They can go back to enjoying the Moschino, Tom Ford, and any other shows--in person. But they'll also most likely be wearing masks while still practicing social distancing.
This is our reality--for now.
We can only hope that as more people take proper precautions and watch their health, the rate of contracting the virus decreases, surges subside, and we can get back to enjoying the things and the ones we love.
Images: Getty/Backgrid
