Fashion goes viral: how the Covid-19 crisis could change the industry forever

From a surge in athleisure-wear sales to a move towards slow fashion and innovations in 'try-before-you-buy' technology, Meadhbh McGrath looks at how the Covid-19 crisis could change the entire fashion industry and how we dress forever

The show goes on: an embellished face mask during a runway show at New York fashion week

Meadhbh McGrath

The high street is deserted. Designers are in self-isolation. Even the Met Gala, the biggest event on the fashion calendar and one of the last remaining holdouts, has been postponed.

During Paris Fashion Week in late February, coronavirus began to send shockwaves through the industry, as many guests headed home early, for fear of catching the virus, while those who remained attended the catwalk shows armed with face masks and hand sanitiser.