Paris Fashion Week is back, and it has sent newspapers and the internet abuzz with the display of the best haute couture looks by multiple fashion designers. The event will start from July 3rd, Monday and end on July 6th, Thursday. The Paris Fashion Week takes place all over Paris. Valentino’s show will be held at Chateau de Chantilly, while Chanel shows generally take place at the Grand Palais ever since the late Karl Lagerfeld’s time. The week will start out with Schiaparelli’s show and end with Adeline Andre’s show. Some of the important designer houses that will also showcase their collections include Jean Paul Gaultier, Giambatista Valli, Charles de Vilmorin, Ellie Saab, Giorgio Armani, Gaurav Gupta etc.
About Paris Fashion Week
Held semi-annually, this is an event organized by the French Fashion Federation. The haute couture week follows a strict criteria set by the Chamber of Haute Couture. According to the rules set by the institution, 35 looks have to be presented by the different participating fashion houses. If they are unable to fulfill the criterion, particularly the one about putting out 35 looks, which must comprise daywear and eveningwear, they are disqualified, which makes this week quite selective which only allows certain fashion houses to participate.
What is Happening at PFW 2023?
Tensions are at an all time high in Paris, and France in general. A 17 year old boy of Algerian descent was killed by the police at a traffic check. The death of Nahel M, the victim has sparked widespread outrage, unrest, and questions regarding racism and police brutality. Rioting is in full-swing in Paris, and this has resulted in some chagrin from influencers and people from the fashion industry. So far, Celine is the only major brand that has talked about the brutal political climate, and the inappropriate nature of the show when the city is in so much turmoil. Hedi Slimane wrote on Instagram, “a fashion show in Paris, while France and its capital are bereaved and bruised, seems… inconsiderate and totally misplace”. However, many other brands have had their shows up and running.
Parisians Protesting Police Brutality
Celebrities and Designers at Paris Fashion Week
Schiaparelli unveiled their new haute couture line, inspired by surrealism. Daniel Roseberry, creative director, displayed designs that combine grandiose fashion and typical Schiaparelli motifs. One of the celebs who was the talk of the town with her appearance at the Schiaparelli show was Cardi B. Dressed in a black dress and signature Schiaparelli jewelry, and a feathered cape, she impressed fans and fashion critics alike. This comes in the middle of drama churned by Offset, who accused the “Bodak Yellow” rapper of cheating on him.
Cardi B in Schiaparelli Haute Couture for Paris Fashion Week
Cardi also turned heads at the Thom Browne show, with a dramatic bird-esque headpiece. Ayo Edebiri, Anna Wintour, and Diane Keaton were also in attendance at the dramatic show at the Opera, which demonstrated Thom Browne’s excellence at showmanship.
Iris Van Herpen, Maison Alaia also had their shows. Camila Cabello showed up in the former show wearing a butterfly gown that has been making waves on the Internet. The Dior show was also star studded, with Natalie Portman making an appearance. Sonam Kapoor was also in attendance at the Dior show, in a brown trench coat dress, which she said was styled by her sister Rhea Kapoor among many others.
Camila Cabello in Iris Van Herpen Haute Couture for Paris Fashion Week
Gigi Hadid showed her fans a few behind-the-scenes images at the show. After a long time, she was seen in the Versailles garden All About Chou Chou show by Jacquemus.
Rahul Mishra showcased a Russian art and Indian heritage inspired fashion show titled “we, the people”.The designs centralized Indian motifs, with tigers, Indian embroidery, and the like. Mishra last earned acclaim for designing the saree Zendaya wore at the NMACC Gala at Mumbai.
Giambatista Valli introduced a royal collection, replete with ostrich feathers and billowing sleeves. There was also a stunning ballet flat that accompanied a large number of looks. With stunning maximalist dresses, sparkly jumpsuits and beautifully draped clothes, the show amazed everyone in attendance.
Backstage for Giambatista Valli Haute Couture for Paris Fashion Week
It is to be seen how the rest of fashion week goes, with rising tensions, riots, and people’s irritation at the fashion community for going forward with this display of opulence in such trying times.
