Spring Summer 2020 Fashion Week Report

Key Takeaways

New York Fashion Week’s Influence

Despite hosting fewer shows compared to other fashion capitals, New York Fashion Week (NYFW) led in social media reach, exceeding that of Paris Fashion Week by 39%. This confirms NYFW's continuing allure for influential figures in the fashion world, attracting both established and emerging designers. The high number of posts discussing NYFW demonstrates that the city's fashion scene, though more streamlined, remains a global focal point. This data shows how brands in New York are able to leverage their visibility to engage with a broad audience of consumers and fashion enthusiasts on social media.

Viral Moments and Iconic Designers

Jennifer Lopez's return to the runway at Versace, wearing her famous jungle dress from the 2000 Grammy Awards, dominated social media discussions, contributing to 23% of all posts mentioning Versace. The moment was not only nostalgic but also a reminder of fashion’s enduring icons. Furthermore, the late Karl Lagerfeld’s influence remained palpable, as he was the most mentioned designer of the season, demonstrating the industry’s ongoing reverence for his work. Maria Grazia Chiuri’s sustainability-focused show for Dior and Demna Gvasalia’s bold SS20 presentation for Balenciaga were also key highlights, showcasing fashion’s mix of heritage and innovation.

Sustainability in Fashion

While sustainability is becoming an essential issue in the fashion industry, it has not yet fully permeated Fashion Week conversations. Only 1% of posts from Fashion Week mentioned sustainability, even though brands like Stella McCartney made significant strides by incorporating 37% plant-based materials in their collections. Her show, in particular, was a beacon for sustainable practices, with 50% of posts discussing her commitment to eco-friendly fashion. The rapid rise of the #sustainablefashion hashtag, growing fivefold over the past three years, indicates that consumer interest in sustainability is growing, but the challenge remains for brands to communicate this effectively during high-profile events.

Emerging Brands and Rising Stars

Several emerging designers made waves during Spring/Summer 2020 Fashion Week. Brands like Marine Serre, Sies Marjan, and Telfar gained significant traction on social media, indicating a shift towards newer, more innovative names in the industry. Jacquemus, though absent from Paris Fashion Week, remained highly visible online, underscoring the brand’s growing influence and consumer loyalty. Notably, Lanvin’s visibility surged, with mentions doubling from FW19 to SS20. This data highlights the dynamic nature of fashion, where established houses like Lanvin can make a comeback while rising brands start to dominate conversations, especially among younger, fashion-forward consumers.

Trending Colors and Textures

Influencer-driven trends on Instagram revealed significant color preferences for the upcoming season, including bright pink, rust, and off-white, particularly among edgy influencers. These colors dominated street style looks, showing the power of social media in dictating upcoming trends. In addition to color, bag textures like snake, padded, and fleece, along with shoe shapes such as square-toe and cowboy boots, were frequently highlighted. These accessory trends signal the industry's return to bold, statement pieces. Heuritech’s image recognition technology played a crucial role in identifying these trends, showcasing how brands can use AI-powered insights to stay ahead in an ever-changing fashion landscape.

Other useful resources:
Fall Winter 2020 - Fashion week report
Fall 2020 - Pantone color report
100 fashion insiders in 2020