By: Heidi Kirk

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Local designers struggle as the pandemic continues to impact the fashion industry. 

Brandy Lee, a local designer, said that she was worried that people might start to give up fashion at the onset of the pandemic.

However, Lee said that she quickly realized that this was not the case. 

“It’s been very delightful to see people not giving up on fashion. People really do care about how they look and they do care about fashion.” 

Though people continued to value fashion, Lee still had to adapt her business model to keep up with the changes surrounding the fashion industry. 

Lee began including clothing that functions as loungewear and started working with models one on one rather than in groups. 

Lee said that one thing she is ready to get back to are fashion shows. 

“The whole runway is a lot of fun. That is definitely missed,” Lee said. 

Northwest Arkansas fashion week typically takes place in March, but the pandemic has placed it on hold for the time being. 

Despite the success of Lee’s transition, some aspects of the field are still suffering as a result of the ongoing pandemic. 

CEO of Interform, a platform for local designers, said small business owners are some of the hardest hit. 

“I’ve watched a lot of really popular boutiques in the area close down or have to move their content online. That has been something that is hard to watch,” said Robin Atkinson.

Brandy Lee said one way to help out local designers during this trying time is to shop local and support the makers that do it all. 

However, Lee said that she quickly realized that this was not the case. 

“It’s been very delightful to see people not giving up on fashion. People really do care about how they look and they do care about fashion.” 

Though people continued to value fashion, Lee still had to adapt her business model to keep up with the changes surrounding the fashion industry. 

Lee began including clothing that functions as loungewear and started working with models one on one rather than in groups. 

Lee said that one thing she is ready to get back to are fashion shows. 

“The whole runway is a lot of fun. That is definitely missed,” Lee said. 

Northwest Arkansas fashion week typically takes place in March, but the pandemic has placed it on hold for the time being. 

Despite the success of Lee’s transition, some aspects of the field are still suffering as a result of the ongoing pandemic. 

CEO of Interform, a platform for local designers, said small business owners are some of the hardest hit. 

“I’ve watched a lot of really popular boutiques in the area close down or have to move their content online. That has been something that is hard to watch,” said Robin Atkinson.

Brandy Lee said one way to help out local designers during this trying time is to shop local and support the makers that do it all.