Paris Fashion Week appeared larger and more bustling than ever before, with a tightly-packed schedule that featured a mix of esteemed French fashion houses like Chanel and Givenchy alongside independent labels like Cecile Bahnsen, Coperni, and Anrealage.
The event was invigorated by a series of debuts, including Harris Reed's inaugural collection for Nina Ricci, which incorporated gender-fluid sensibilities and heightened the show's theatrics, and Ludovic de Saint Sernin's debut as Ann Demeulemeester's creative director, which played with the brand's archives of black suits, floor-length dresses, and bias-cut skirts.
Daniel Roseberry also made a splash with Schiaparelli's first ready-to-wear collection, making the brand's couture codes more accessible without sacrificing its luxurious touch. Christian Louboutin celebrated 30 years of his iconic red soles with a precision dance performance at the Opera Comique, while American department store Neiman Marcus hosted a party at La Suite Girafe to recognize designers like Brunello Cucinelli, Jonathan Anderson, and Amina Muaddi with the esteemed Neiman Marcus Award.
The tribute to Vivienne Westwood's legacy continued with a heartfelt collection from her design partner, Andreas Kronthaler, featuring crinoline skirts, corsets, tartan prints, and exquisite draping made with antique fabrics. A-list celebrities like Jared Leto, Lisa Rinna, and Penelope Cruz were spotted in the front row at shows like Givenchy, Chanel, and Courreges, while Demna's collection for Balenciaga scaled back on the spectacle and instead focused on the purity of tailoring and craftsmanship, with oversized suits, floral dresses, cocoon-like outerwear, and elevated denim.
Overall, Paris Fashion Week showcased a diverse array of styles and perspectives, with fresh energy and innovative designs from both established and emerging designers.
Several designers are showcasing their commitment to sustainability in their latest collections. For instance, Stella McCartney's recent show featured accessories and shoes made of eco-friendly materials like apple peels, grapes, and mushrooms, which accounted for 89 percent of the collection's materials. Similarly, Gabriela Hearst showcased a collection on the Chloe runway that included 62 percent "low-impact" materials, such as leather and shearling outerwear, knitwear, and breezy maxi dresses. The collection also featured hiking boots with recycled soles, and Lila Moss, daughter of Kate Moss, wore a white slip dress reminiscent of her mother's iconic look from the 90s.
Other designers are finding innovative ways to incorporate sustainability into their collections. Cecilie Bahnsen used deadstock materials from Nona Source, an LVMH-backed fabric resale platform, to create her latest pieces. Meanwhile, at Y/Project, Glenn Martens embellished dresses, coats, and gowns with denim scraps, creating a lace-like effect through embroidery.
Dries Van Noten, on the other hand, emphasized long-lasting luxury in his latest collection, incorporating durable fabrics like English wools, washed silks, and organza with golden embroidery and detailing. The collection was designed to be worn, repaired, and cherished for years to come.
