All Roads Lead to Paris: What to Expect From Paris Fashion Week

After an intense three-week period of fashion shows and presentations in New York, London and Milan, the fashion marathon is set to reach its final chapter in Paris, where the fashion week will take place from March 3 to 11. Here is your definitive guide to the upcoming nine days of the fashion fiesta of Paris Fashion Week.  

It’s a season of firsts

Anticipate an array of debut collections. On Wednesday afternoon, Julian Klausner will unveil his inaugural collection for Dries Van Noten, who retired from fashion last June with a spectacular send-off show last June. Later the same day, Haider Ackermann will showcase his creative vision for Tom Ford: considered to be one of the most talented designers of his generation, all eyes are on him and how he is going to approach his new position. On Friday, Sarah Burton will introduce her premier collection for Givenchy in what promises to be a very intimate gathering reserved for the select few who accompanied her during her 26-year tenure at Alexander McQueen.

Alaïa returns to Paris
After a season of presenting in New York, Alaïa by Peter Mulier is back where it belongs: Paris. And what is more, for the first time, the iconic Parisian house will appear on the official Ready-to-Wear Week schedule. During Azzedine Alaïa’s era, presentations were held off-schedule — whenever he felt inspired to unveil new concepts, and under Mulier, the shows were staged on the eve of Haute Couture week. Nevertheless, the brand remains firmly in the spotlight: following the inauguration of its new flagship on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré during Couture Week in January — a venue that has swiftly emerged as one of the most coveted destinations for Parisian fashion enthusiasts (with a special nod to Le Café Sant Ambroeus, a cherished hotspot for Milanese fashion aficionados now nestled on the store’s mezzanine) — this show is unquestionably one to watch.

The newcomers to watch

Although Paris is home to a lot of big names on the calendar, it also prides itself on elevating fresh and emerging talent. This year, the fashion week will kick off with MA graduate collections from the students of IFM — one of the most esteemed local fashion institutions. A cocktail reception is also slated for Wednesday night to honour the LVMH Prize semi-finalists and offer a chance to meet them face-to-face.

In addition, audiences will be treated to presentations by Abra and LVMH 2024 Prize Winner Hodakova. Both designers have previously exhibited off-schedule in Paris for several seasons, and now they have earned a spot on the official lineup. Other highlights include displays by LVMH Prize semi-finalists Zomer and Alainpaul, as well as showcases from rising talents like Julie Kegels, Christopher Esber and RóisínPierce.

Go big or go home
Paris remains the epicentre of the fashion universe, thanks to the blockbuster presentations from the world’s most coveted brands, all showcased during an intense nine-day schedule. On Tuesday, 4 March, Maria Grazia Ghuiri will unveil her collection for Dior. On Wednesday, 5 March, Nicolas di Felice will introduce his latest creations for Courrèges, with subsequent shows from The Row, Stella McCartney, Acne Studios, and Balmain. On Thursday, 6 March, Chemena Kamali will kick off the day with her third collection for Chloé, followed by Off-White — making a return to Paris after a stint in New York last season — as well as presentations from Rabanne, Rick Owens, Schiaparelli, and Isabel Marant. On Friday, 7 March, Issey Miyake, Giambattista Valli, Kenzo, Yohji Yamamoto, and Victoria Beckham will take to the catwalk. Over the weekend, Vivienne Westwood, Lacoste, Valentino, Hermès, Comme des Garçons, Ann Demeulmeester, McQueen, Icicle, and Balenciaga will display their collections. Louis Vuitton is slated for Monday, 10 March, alongside Loewe by JW Anderson, who is rumoured to be departing from the brand for a more prominent role within the group; as such, a presentation will be organised at a secret venue. Finally, on the last day of the shows, Chanel, Miu Miu, and Saint Laurent will reveal their collections.

Extra Curriculum
Who says fashion week is solely about catwalk shows? It also embraces cocktail parties, aftershows and sumptuous dinners! On Monday evening, Uniqlo will unveil its collaboration with Musée Picasso during a chic cocktail reception at the museum. On Tuesday night, 4 March, Le Louvre will honour its Louvre Couture exhibition — the first-ever fashion-focused showcase in the history of the world’s most frequented museum — with a gala fundraiser, poised to become the Parisian equivalent of the Met Gala (so expect to see a lot of celebrities and designers at one place at the same time). On Wednesday night, 5 March, Ambush will host a book launch event, while Chaumet will hold an intimate cocktail soirée at their hôtel particulier on Place Vendôme to celebrate its latest Bee My Love creations. On Thursday night, 6 March, A Magazine Curated By will commemorate the release of its newest issue, imagined for the first time not just by one brand or one designer but by a veritable powerhouse of fashion talents, while Hermès will mark the fifth anniversary of its beauty line with an event at La Monnaie de Paris, featuring the debut of a new lipstick.

Text: Lidia Ageeva