Paris Fashion Week is back starting on Tuesday, offering a welcome distraction to a country facing political turmoil.
The week dedicated to menswear will run until the next Sunday, followed immediately by haute couture shows until June 27.
France has been in upheaval ever since President Emmanuel Macron called for unexpected legislative elections following a surge by the far-right in European polls.
For fashion enthusiasts, navigating Paris may be a challenge due to the city’s preparations to host the upcoming Olympic Games next month, leading to a significant increase in traffic congestion from road and site closures.
The Olympics have prompted an earlier schedule for menswear and couture weeks, usually held in July (with womenswear in September).
Due to this accelerated timeline, some fashion houses like Balmain, Valentino, and Givenchy have decided to skip this week’s shows.
Notable appearances include hip-hop mogul Pharrell Williams at Louis Vuitton and a Vogue-organized mega-party set to unite the worlds of sports and fashion on Sunday.
The event, Vogue World, will feature top brands like Dior, Jacquemus, Hermes, and Balenciaga, each paired with an Olympic discipline.
– Chanel shake-up –
Last week brought the surprising news that Chanel has parted ways with Virginie Viard, who took over after Karl Lagerfeld’s passing in 2019.
The departure appears to be on less than amicable terms, as Viard will not be present at Chanel’s couture show on June 25.
Rumors are swirling about potential successors, with names like Marine Serre, Hedi Slimane, Pierpaolo Piccioli, and Simon Porte Jacquemus in the mix.
As Paris Fashion Week unfolds, the industry is also eagerly awaiting the final show by Belgian designer Dries Van Noten on Saturday, marking the retirement of a beloved figure known for avant-garde styles and expert tailoring.
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