When it was said that the premiere of Frankfurt Fashion Week would only take place digitally, the disappointment was great. But in the spring, when the concrete planning had to begin, there was no telling whether an international audience would be able to travel - but without such an audience, a real fashion week makes no sense. And in times when football stadiums in England are filled with fans who live in the country, but the Olympic Games in Tokyo have to take place in front of empty stands, Messe Frankfurt and the Berlin Premium Group as organizers can feel that their decision has been confirmed.
With prominent lectures and discussions in the digital FFW studio, they made sure that the fashion week was not completely canceled.
The virtual program was flanked by a small number of physical events that local organizers set up on their own.
The fashion shows on Opernplatz and in the Hotel Frankfurter Hof as well as various exhibitions gave a foretaste of what is possible when more is possible again.
And they made sure that at least a few pictures from the city, which is more fashionable than many think, go around the world.
Good investment
However, it couldn't be the big surcharge that fills exhibition halls, hotels, restaurants and taxis again.
The provision of ten million euros from town and country for three years is still a good investment.
Because the Fashion Week has already led to creative agencies joining forces and networking fashion makers, designers, model scouts and producers.
With its digital presence, the trade fair has created perspectives and fulfilled its task of promoting the economy of the region as well as possible - perhaps even particularly well.
Because with an international impact in the city, the local fashion scene would probably have received significantly less attention.
But it should also have that in the future.
In any case, it has been shown: Frankfurt is ready for fashion.