The graduate shows in May, which are like a designer's final exam, are not just a ceremonial milestone but also a chance to network, create a portfolio, and potentially find job opportunities. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year's show was canceled and replaced with a digital presentation on June 17 where each student could only showcase two looks and a 90-second video. For 24-year-old Ives, an ambitious American who has started his own label and worked with Rihanna's Fenty brand, the last two months have been challenging. Ives, who has diabetes and spent three months isolated in his apartment working on his pieces, reflected on the challenges posed by the pandemic and raised questions about the value of pursuing a postgraduate degree under current circumstances. The disruption caused by the pandemic has led many students to reconsider the future of higher education, with universities worldwide facing layoffs and financial uncertainties. This has prompted students of all backgrounds to rethink their decision to pursue higher education, including those interested in fields like fashion. Throughout history, obtaining a degree from prestigious schools such as Central Saint Martins or Royal College of Art in London, Parsons and F.I.T. in New York, and Royal Academy of Arts in Antwerp has been seen as a costly yet beneficial investment for those seeking to break into the highly competitive fashion industry. The business of fashion education has seen significant growth in the past decade, mirroring the expansion of the industry itself. Various established institutions and new private schools, like the Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design, now offer a wide range of courses, promising specialized training, a supportive network of peers, and opportunities for internships. However, the outbreak of the coronavirus has led to travel restrictions and a decline in enrollments. Valérie Berdah Levy, director of the Paris campus of Istituto Marangoni, a private Italian fashion and design school, acknowledged that their revenue will likely decrease next year. Some students are hesitant to travel to Europe due to border restrictions, while others are uncertain about when borders will reopen. Berdah Levy also mentioned that parents of students may be facing financial difficulties or health issues that could impact their resources. Art schools, including London's Royal College of Art, are looking to adapt their plans for the fall based on changes made earlier this year in response to the pandemic. This may include focusing on presentation and research at the beginning of the academic year and teaching digital skills necessary for remote work and presentation. Broach's graduates are currently working on a RCA2020 "digital discovery platform" where each student will have their own page, set to launch between July 16-31. Despite the challenges of the new reality, the quality of industry speakers has improved significantly, with access to extraordinary speakers and more ambitious discussions on using the pandemic as a motivator for industry change. Recent events have featured speakers such as Sir Jonathan Ive, Virgil Abloh, and Olafur Eliasson. Additionally, Walter van Beirendonck arranged 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, graduates in fashion and accessories showcased their final projects to industry judges, such as designer Christopher John Rogers and Bergdorf Goodman's men's fashion director Bruce Pask, through virtual presentations. Michael Fink, the school of fashion dean at SCAD, acknowledged that students missed being together and handling fabrics, and some faced difficulties adjusting to working from home. The focus has shifted from just final collections to how designers respond to crises. It is uncertain whether fashion students, particularly those from China, who expect more than just a degree from their university experience will appreciate these changes. Universities in English-speaking countries, like Britain, Australia, and the United States, rely heavily on tuition fees from Chinese students, who pay more than local students. There is concern that enrollment levels could drop due to travel restrictions and growing frustration among Chinese students and parents with the West's lax approach to public health. Sir Nigel Carrington, vice-chancellor of the University of the Arts London, expressed concern about potential enrollment numbers, despite international acceptances being on track with last year. The university has around 3,000 Chinese students out of a total of 20,000, with an equal split between British and international students across its six colleges. The government sets a limit of approximately $11,500 for annual fees for British students, while international students face fees of around $25,000. Flights from China (and other countries) to Britain are not expected to resume until at least August. Many students are unable to meet the British government's language test requirement due to a backlog in applications, despite a delayed start to the fall term. Some scientists are forecasting a potential second wave of coronavirus in the fall, adding to the challenges faced by students. A fee increase related to Brexit is expected in 2021, leading more students from the European Union to enroll before the hike, which may temporarily offset the decrease in Chinese enrollment. Despite the challenges, Carrington stated that their institution remains highly sought after for its art and design courses. However, less competitive schools may face more severe consequences from the pandemic, including potential layoffs and non-renewal of contracts for lecturers, especially those with temporary contracts. An article in The Art Newspaper on June 22 highlighted that these actions could disproportionately impact women and people of color at British arts universities. In the midst of calls for better representation and diversity in fashion education, the identity of the instructors teaching students could play a significant role in their decision-making process. Despite uncertainty surrounding future demand, schools must acknowledge the fear felt by many young people worldwide while also recognizing the importance of continuing with education for aspiring fashion designers. Graduating students may have the opportunity to access workshops over the summer to complete their portfolios, a crucial aspect of job searches, as employment opportunities in fashion studios have become increasingly scarce due to the pandemic. Several smaller luxury brands such as Sies Marjan and Peter Pilotto have shut down recently, and many seamstresses and patternmakers have been laid off or put on furlough even by the largest fashion houses in countries like France and Italy. "I've worked for big companies before, so my original plan was to graduate and focus on my own label," said Ives, a graduate of Central Saint Martins. "However, the risks of starting a business during a major recession are significant. I am uncertain about my future plans, and many of my peers are in the same boat."