The Paris couture season, known as the ultimate showcase of luxury fashion, is set to begin on Monday, presenting the epitome of creativity in the industry. Organized by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the official calendar boasts 30 esteemed brands, including Chanel, Dior, Armani, Schiaparelli, Fendi, and Valentino. Additionally, there are off-calendar shows held in embassies and mansions, highlighting the vivacity of couture.
The four-day event will commence with Schiaparelli’s show at the Petit Palais on Monday morning and conclude with Maison Margiela’s presentation of the spring/summer 2024 collections on Thursday evening. With the Academy Awards just around the corner, stylists and celebrities flock to Paris to discover the perfect red carpet ensembles from these collections. This season, fashion editors are particularly excited about the debut of newcomer Peet Dullaert and the guest designer collaboration between Jean-Paul Gaultier and Simone Rocha.
In a recent interview with FashionNetwork, Pascal Morand, the executive president of the Fédération, shared his insights and predictions for the upcoming couture season. Morand expressed his enthusiasm for the unparalleled creativity, diversity, and savoir-faire that will be on display. He emphasized the unique combination of artistic expression, innovative materials, and shape concepts that define the official calendar of Haute Couture Week.
Morand also highlighted the significance of Paris as the epicenter of haute couture. Due to its legally protected status since 1945, France is viewed as a guardian of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation in the fashion industry. The country’s ecosystem of professions and education, centered around artisanal skills and ateliers, plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of couturiers. The allure of exclusivity, craftsmanship, and intimacy offered by haute couture resonates with young designers in the digital age.
To ensure the continuation of a new generation of couturiers, the Fédération actively supports them. The haute couture calendar includes different categories, such as members, corresponding members, and guest brands, providing a platform for younger, less experienced, and international newcomers to showcase their creations. This season, Peet Dullaert has been invited as a guest due to the exceptional quality of his work.
The couture season not only drives economic transactions but also solidifies Paris as a global hub for creativity. It plays a vital role in the local economy, particularly for craftsmanship and the métiers d’art. Despite the current geopolitical challenges, the Fédération works closely with the Préfecture de Police to ensure the safety and security of the shows and presentation venues.
As the highly anticipated Paris couture season unfolds, the world will be captivated by the extraordinary designs and boundary-pushing creations that grace the runways. The fashion industry eagerly awaits the unveiling of the latest couture masterpieces, celebrating the unrivaled artistry and craftsmanship that define this prestigious event.
Useful links:
1. Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode official website
2. Vogue’s coverage of Paris couture shows
