The NEWS THE GREAT INDOORS

LYNN BAN

“The fashion industry was in hyperdrive before this—full speed ahead on a dangerous crash course, in my opinion. There were too many shows, collections; too much product was being put out too quickly, and very little was meaningful, thoughtful, artistic or creative. These extraordinary circumstances have made for an opportune moment to pause and reset. The lockdown has allowed me to slow down, step back and really assess everything. I am fortunate to be able to work on a new project at this time. I am designing a new resort line with COMO resorts. The samples are almost finished and we are scheduled to launch at the end of the year. In quarantine, I have found joy in my routine—not only being able to design and manage production from home, but also finding the balance in being a good mother, teacher, wife and daughter. Post-pandemic, I hope to see more thoughtful fashion. Through these trying times, true creativity will thrive. Witness the Roaring ’20s, the period after the Spanish Flu, where fashion, music, beauty, joy, excess and fantasy flourished. Before the pandemic, stores dictated deliveries and drove incessant demand for newness. After, it will surely be about direct-to-consumer and staying true to your brand image; it will be about engaging and welcoming the customer into your world. Products will have to be emotional. Who needs another white shirt or basic black dress?”