Cancellations Mount as the Fashion Industry Reacts to Global Conflict

Fall is traditionally the fashion world’s busiest season, but the devastating Israel–Hamas War has changed all that, with a slew of beauty and fashion events being canceled for the upcoming weeks. However, some insiders feel that the industry’s muted response has been a result of companies valuing profits in the increasingly important Middle Eastern market over taking a strong moral stance.

According to Women’s Wear Daily, as of Oct. 12, beauty’s biggest players, including L’Oréal, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, The Estée Lauder Cos., Kering and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton have failed to make any statements on the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel or the humanitarian crises unfolding on the Gaza Strip.

“I have always been proud that the beauty industry has been at the forefront of social justice and activism,” said Blushington CEO Natasha Cornstein, whose company released a statement in support of Israel. “As a human being, I’m disappointed by the overwhelming silence about the terrorist attacks, and I hope the beauty industry will speak up.”

Global fashion and beauty brands are also grappling with a diverse, multinational workforce with differing beliefs, along with fear of political reprisals. “Some people might be concerned about speaking up after everything that happened with Anheuser-Busch, Target and Disney. They don’t want to put themselves into that position,” Wendy Liebmann, founder of WSL Strategic Retail told WWD. “Or they could be so stunned by it they don’t know what to say. But for an industry that has been much more engaged in social, economic and political issues, the quiet is a little surprising.”

They may fear backlash, like that aimed at Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the French fashion industry’s governing body, which was criticized by insiders after releasing a statement condemning the Hamas attacks, while ignoring the death of Palestinians at the hands of Israel.

However, some fashion players have spoken out. American Eagle posted an image of the Israeli Flag on their flagship billboard in Times Square. Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP have all released statements expressing sympathy for the suffering of the Israeli and Palestinian people. The Council of Fashion Designers of America issued a statement reading: “The CFDA condemns Saturday’s attack on Israel and stands with those determined to fight terrorism. We mourn the loss of life and pray for the cycle of violence to end for a lasting peace.”

Companies have rushed to protect their employees within the conflict zone. Fashion company Inditex, which owns Zara, shuttered stores in Israel, as did H&M and Spanish retailer Mango. According to WWD, Chanel’s global executive chairman Alain Wertheimer sent an email expressing horror over the terrorist attacks and the unfolding humanitarian crises. He also stated that the company’s priority was to ensure the safety of all Chanel employees in Israel and that the company would donate $4 million to humanitarian aid. 

An increasing number of events around the world have also been canceled or postponed in the wake of the conflict. Vogue Arabia, Chopard and Italian jeweler Pomellato have canceled upcoming events in the Middle East. We Design Beirut, a 4-day design festival scheduled for the end of October in Lebanon, was postponed for the safety of all participants. 

The 2023 Fashion Trust of Arabia Awards, originally scheduled to be held on Oct. 25 in Dubai, has also been postponed. “At FTA, our purpose has always been to support the talent of designers in the MENA region,” Fashion Trust Arabia said in a released statement. “However, we believe that, given the current situation in the region, it would be inconsiderate to proceed with our event.”

Events in New York have been postponed as well. SoHo Commando canceled their Soho Green opening slated for Oct. 19 “in light of the heartbreaking world events that continue to unfold.”

Israeli designers Pnina Tornai and Galia Lahav both canceled showings of their new collections at NYC Bridal Fashion Week in solidarity with their country. “Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating conflict,” Lahav stated. “We hope for a future where we can come together to celebrate the beauty and creativity that define our brand.”