Chanel and Prada have both announced that they will be postponing their upcoming shows in Asia due to the threat of coronavirus.
Chanel was set to host a Métiers d’Art show in Beijing this May, plans which have now been put on hold because much of the country is still in lockdown and it is not yet clear exactly how long this will continue for. In a similar vein, Prada has revealed that it will be postponing its resort 2021 show, which was set to take place in Japan on 21 May.
Related article: The Impact That Coronavirus Is Having On The Fashion Industry
“This decision was made as a precautionary measure as well as an act of responsibility and respect for all the people working on and planning to attend our resort 2021 show,” a spokesperson for the company told WWD. “Prada extends its sincere sympathies and concern to all the people and territories affected by this situation.”
The occasion was set to mark the first time the Italian fashion giant had ever hosted a show in Japan. Now it seems that the resort 2021 collection will be either presented in a different location or will take place at a later date.
Chanel’s Beijing presentation was set to be a replica of the Métiers d’Art show that took place in Paris in December, suggesting that it will simply put this on hold, rather than host the show elsewhere. The French fashion house was already planning a replica show in London in June, which is still set to go ahead, according to the Business of Fashion.
Shanghai and Beijing fashion weeks have also both been directly affected by the threat of coronavirus. They were scheduled to take place during the last week of March, but have been postponed for the time being.
Related article: Fashion Giants LVMH And Kering Pledge Donations To Help Fight Coronavirus
This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR UK.
Related article: Kristen Stewart Gives A Rare Glimpse Into The Mind Of Virginie Viard, Chanel’s Creative Director
