Organisers adapted to circumstances by hosting a number of outdoor events, and Jason Wu opened the schedule with a runway show on the rooftop of Spring Studios in Manhattan.
He showed his Spring-Summer 2021 collection to a socially distanced crowd of just 30 people, sending models such as Indya Moore down a plant-filled set inspired by the Mexican town of Tulum.
Harlem’s Fashion Row, a platform founded to promote diversity in fashion by supporting designers of colour, also kicked off.
Returning designers included Anna Sui and Chromat, with digital presentations, while a number of notable NYFW regulars like Michael Kors didn’t participate this time around.
To broadcast the virtual events at NYFW, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) created Runway 360, a digital platform to show new collections or other creative projects.
And although the usually star-studded fashion week will be wholly different this year, the switch to virtual may also make for more sustainable presentations.
Alongside the expected displays of opulence, some designers took advantage of digital platforms to share messages of activism and empowerment.
NBA player Carmelo “Melo” Anthony launched a streetwear collection as an extension of his clothing and lifestyle brand, and as part of a new initiative, the Stayme7o Propel program, to support Black creativity.
Meanwhile, architectural swimwear and athletic brand Chromat, known for its diverse runway shows celebrating all bodies, released the film “Joy Run” by filmmaker Tourmaline.
The fashion film, which shows masked models in neon sportswear, featured transgender track star Terry Miller, advocating for the fair inclusion of all genders in sports.
Sustainable fashion label Collina Strada is also supporting trans rights through its latest Spring-Summer collection.
The designer Hillary Taymour is auctioned off 11 T-shirts to raise money for trans sex workers.