The purpose of this study is to examine emerging trends in fashion films and the impact of COVID-19 through analysis of Prada films produced before and after the initial spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. We selected 40 cases occurring prior to the pandemic, from June to December 2019, and 21 cases occurring since the outbreak, from June to December 2020. To identify relevant trends, we conduct a literature review and examine a range of case studies. First, travel restrictions and confronting activities currently inhibit production. Through our case study analysis, we identify nineteen cases in between before and after COVID-19. Secondly, Prada can be seen to mainly produce episodes and promotional films. Additionally, it develops content showcasing brand values in environmental, cultural, creative, and sport-related fields; intended audiences extend beyond the realm of fashion. Thirdly, a new film category began to develop after the outbreak of COVID-19, namely, narrative films utilizing virtual interactions. According to our analysis results, we expect film production that is increasingly facilitated by virtual communication, technology utilization, and online platforms to continue even after the resolution of COVID-19. New film categories will emerge, and we predict that the gap between the number of cases before and after COVID-19 will narrow.
The 21st century is the age when a sensational image has more explanatory power and can deliver a more powerful message than a message consisting of logical thinking. Powerful visual images create a big impact on many people throughout the world, overcoming linguistic barriers and even replacing language as a means of communication. In the fashion field, the concept and power of visual images within the new multimedia of the 21st century are becoming increasingly important. In recent years, other than the above methods, videos, movies and animation features have been produced directly to enhance visual effects and attempts are increasing to use these new tools as communication methods. This study focuses on animation contents that have been used in the fashion industry to overcome prejudice of luxury international brands that feature images that emphasize value, quality and heritage. The purpose of this study is to focus on the specific character of fashion animation in order to overview the concept of 21st video fashion communication and to show how the collection concept that includes color and detail places an emphasis on visual images. Analysis of previous research, theoretical research through literature and case study on Prada fashion animation led to the following conclusion. The common features of two different Prada fashion animation show that both animation have the following features in common : realism, dramatic impact and convergence for expression methods, and creativeness, hybrid and a happy ending for contents. Beginning with this study, I believe that various angles of interest and concern about communication in the fashion world, which is a social and cultural phenomenon that changes rapidly, can be will be looked at and learned from.