The graduate shows in May, which are like a final exam for designers, are not only a traditional academic milestone but also a chance to network, create a portfolio, and potentially find job opportunities. However, this year was different due to the coronavirus pandemic, which led to the school closing, lessons going online, and the cancellation of the final show. Instead, there was a digital presentation on June 17 where each student could only display two looks and a 90-second video. For Ives, a 24-year-old American with a strong ambition who has started his own label and worked with Rihanna's fashion brand Fenty, the past two months have been challenging. Ives, who has diabetes and spent three months isolated in his apartment during the pandemic, reflected on whether he would have pursued a postgraduate degree if he had known four years ago that he would be graduating without a degree show and learning remotely for months. This question has also been considered by other students, as the pandemic has disrupted universities worldwide and raised concerns about the future of higher education. Even prestigious institutions are facing staff layoffs and reevaluating earnings as international students question the high tuition fees in the uncertain global climate. Students of all backgrounds are now reconsidering their plans for college, including those interested in fashion careers. In the past, obtaining a degree from prestigious fashion schools such as Central Saint Martins, Parsons, and Royal Academy of Arts has been a costly yet worthwhile investment for individuals seeking to break into the highly competitive fashion industry. Over the last ten years, the business of fashion education has flourished alongside the industry, with a rise in courses offered by established institutions and new private schools like the Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design. These programs offer specialized courses, networking opportunities, and internships. However, the outbreak of the coronavirus has led to travel restrictions and a decrease in enrollment deposits. Valérie Berdah Levy, director of the Paris campus of Istituto Marangoni, acknowledged that their revenue will likely decrease next year due to various factors such as students' concerns about traveling to Europe and potential financial challenges faced by parents. The adjustments made by art schools in response to the pandemic earlier this year may influence their plans for the upcoming fall semester, with schools like the Royal College of Art in London considering focusing on presentation and research at the beginning of the academic year and teaching digital skills for remote work. Broach's graduates are currently working on a RCA2020 "digital discovery platform" where each student will have their own page. This platform will be live between July 16-31. Despite the challenges of the new reality, there have been some positive aspects. One of them is the higher caliber of speakers from the industry, as anyone can now participate in events through Zoom. This has led to extraordinary speakers and more ambitious debates on using the current situation as a catalyst for meaningful industry change. For example, Sir Jonathan Ive, Virgil Abloh, and Olafur Eliasson recently spoke at an event. Additionally, Walter van Beirendonck organized digital "blind dates" for his master's students with fashion stars like Stephen Jones and Raf Simons. This year at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, fashion and accessory graduates showcased their final projects online to a group of 50 industry judges, including designer Christopher John Rogers and Bruce Pask, the men's fashion director of Bergdorf Goodman. Michael Fink, the dean of the school of fashion at SCAD, acknowledged that students missed the in-person experience of being together and interacting with fabrics, and that some students found it difficult to adjust to working from home. We have shifted our focus from just finished final collections to how designers respond to crisis. It remains to be seen whether fashion students, especially those from China, who have expectations beyond just a degree, will appreciate these changes. Universities in English-speaking countries, particularly Britain, Australia, and the United States, rely heavily on tuition fees from Chinese students, which are higher than those paid by local students. Concerns are growing that enrollment levels could drop due to travel restrictions and Chinese students' dissatisfaction with the West's handling of public health. Sir Nigel Carrington, vice-chancellor of the University of the Arts London, stated that international acceptances are currently on track with last year, but there are worries about actual enrollments. The university has around 20,000 students, with roughly 3,000 being Chinese, split evenly between British and international students across six colleges. The government of Britain sets an annual cap on fees for British students at approximately $11,500, while international students face fees of around $25,000. However, flights to Britain from countries like China are not expected to resume until at least August. Many students are facing delays in starting the fall term due to difficulties in taking the required language test for studying or working in Britain, caused by a backlog in applications. Some scientists are forecasting a potential second wave of coronavirus in the fall, adding to the challenges faced by students and universities. A fee increase related to Brexit is expected in 2021, potentially prompting more students from the EU to enroll before the change. This may help counteract the decline in Chinese enrollment, but only temporarily. Despite this, the demand for courses at top art and design institutions remains high. However, less competitive schools may face more serious consequences from the pandemic, with many lecturers facing unemployment, especially those on temporary contracts with limited benefits. An article in The Art Newspaper highlighted that layoffs and contract non-renewals at British arts universities could disproportionately impact women and people of color. During a time when many people in the fashion education industry are calling for increased diversity and representation within their institutions, the identity of the teachers could play a larger role in students' decision-making process. Despite uncertainties about future demand, schools must acknowledge the fears of young people worldwide while also continuing with their educational offerings. Graduating students are hopeful that they will have access to workshops to complete their portfolios, which are crucial for job searches. However, job opportunities in fashion studios have decreased significantly since the beginning of the pandemic. Some smaller luxury brands such as Sies Marjan and Peter Pilotto have shut down recently, and even large fashion houses in countries like France and Italy have had to lay off or furlough many seamstresses and patternmakers. Ives, a graduate of Central Saint Martins, had planned to focus on her own label after working for big companies, but the risks of starting a new business during a major recession are daunting. She, like many of her peers, is uncertain about her future plans.