What Does a Socially Distanced Runway Show Look Like in 2020? Let Us Show You

The guest count is limited at physical runway shows this season, and everyone is given clear instructions upon arrival. There are no swarms of street style photographers set up outside, and Grace describes the process like scheduling a visit to a museum where you have an allotted time. All shows start on time (Fashion Week runway shows are infamous for starting 30 minutes late when things are normal), and all guests undergo a temperature check before entry. They must also complete a health and safety questionnaire on their phones, and of course, wear a protective face mask. All hallways and lifts that must be travelled through have a capacity limit, and exiting the show is similarly well-organised.

The goal for all designers who show at Spring Studios is to have many more guests in the front row at home (aka watching virtually). Therefore, designers must trim their usual guest list, and guests that are permitted entry are spaced out from one another – not only when they're in their seats, but also upon entry and exit. Chairs must be situated six feet apart, which is great for the people in the second row, because they also have a direct view to the runway. Seats are also strictly reserved.

Photographers and videographers must follow the same safety plan as the rest of the crew on site. If there is a photography pit at a show, it's must smaller than usual. At the Jason Wu show specifically, for example, there was a very limited number of photographers that could fit the capacity of the riser while adhering to social distancing guidelines.