The French Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode has revealed its plans to host live catwalk shows in Paris this summer during the menswear season in June. The Federation announced in a statement on Friday that fashion houses will be allowed to organize physical shows and presentations, depending on the progress of the COVID-19 situation and compliance with health protocols established by public authorities.
However, it remains uncertain how many brands will choose to hold live shows in front of audiences. The Provisional Official Calendar for the season will be released during the week of May 24.
The Federation emphasized that all menswear shows, as well as the subsequent haute couture season in July, will be available for online viewing on their website. The menswear season generally features up to 70 brands, including renowned names like Hermès, Dior, Paul Smith, and Givenchy, as well as avant-garde labels like Rick Owens, Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto, and Dries Van Noten.
While most French runway seasons have been presented online since the start of the pandemic, a few houses had live audiences during the last official runway season for women’s ready-to-wear in March. The return of physical shows is seen as a positive development for the industry, although the participation of brands remains uncertain.
Ralph Toledano, president of the Federation, expressed his optimism about the return of physical shows, stating, “Our industry needs them to return. How many brands will participate is a difficult question. But, at least, there is now light at the end of the tunnel.”
Chanel has already announced its plans to hold a physical couture show in Paris in July. The French couture season typically includes approximately 25 official shows featuring esteemed designer brands such as Dior, Schiaparelli, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Giambattista Valli, and Fendi.
As France gradually emerges from its second lockdown, with daily COVID-19 cases still around 30,000, President Macron has announced the reopening of most stores on May 19, along with outdoor terraces. Cultural centers and museums are also preparing to reopen, leading to speculation that some fashion shows may be held in these venues to comply with health regulations.
The upcoming Paris menswear season is scheduled from June 22 to June 27, following the Milan menswear season from June 18 to 22. The Haute Couture season in Paris will take place from July 4 to 8, one week after the conclusion of menswear. Accreditation for media, buyers, and photographers has already begun.
Useful links:
1. Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode
2. Chanel
