Paris Fashion Week 2024: A look at what happened

Paris Fashion Week 2024:The battlefield of fashion is set in Paris with top designers armored with their expensive clothes, fine fabrics and visionary ideas march towards the runway. The only rule: The winner is decided by the audiences, fashion critics and the stylists. Fashion weeks are none less than a festival in the Western industry where celebrities and content creators are all equally excited to witness the beauty that fabrics create. 

With Kenzo bringing back our heartthrob Zayn Mailk on the runway after ages, and Dior giving their debut men’s collection, this fashion week saw it all. While some outfits were hit and some were a miss, it was indeed  memorable evenings of fun, glamor and ideation. 

When did Paris Fashion Week begin?

The array of fashion began on 16th Jan and ended on Sunday 21st January, 2024. It was a successful show with our hit trends, top designers and memorable moments. 

How did Paris Fashion Week begin?

Paris Fashion Week, an esteemed event in the international fashion industry, has its roots in the 19th century when Paris solidified its position as a fashion capital. In 1858, Charles Frederick Worth, recognized as one of the pioneering fashion designers, organized the first documented fashion show. The establishment of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in 1868 marked a significant milestone, as it created a regulatory body to promote and oversee the French fashion industry. This laid the foundation for the formalization of fashion events in Paris.

Throughout the 20th century, renowned haute couture houses like Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga, and Givenchy played a crucial role in shaping Paris as the center of global fashion. Christian Dior’s groundbreaking “New Look” collection in 1947, characterized by its voluminous skirts and cinched-in waists, signaled a departure from post-war austerity and influenced the course of fashion worldwide. The establishment of the Fédération Française de la Couture in 1973 further solidified the organization of the fashion industry in France.

Paris Fashion Week expanded to encompass both haute couture and ready-to-wear collections, appealing to a wider audience and increasing its reach. This era witnessed the rise of innovative designers such as Jean-Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano, who brought fresh perspectives and diversity to the forefront.

As the 21st century unfolded, the advent of the internet and digital media transformed Paris Fashion Week into a globally accessible event. Live streaming of runway shows and extensive coverage on social media platforms allowed fashion enthusiasts from around the world to partake in the excitement. The fashion industry’s growing emphasis on sustainability and diversity also found resonance in Paris Fashion Week, reflecting broader global trends and concerns.

Season’s Top Trends

Lets take a look at this season’s top trends that grabbed our attention at the runway:

1. Officecore Rebellion:

The Spring/Summer 2024 collections from Vaquera, Ottolinger, Balenciaga, and Hodakova have disrupted traditional office attire, magnifying shirts and blazers to epic proportions. These designers present a whimsical and exaggerated version of nine-to-five dressing, featuring sporty suit and tie trompe-l’œil and even a skirt crafted from a ballpoint pen. The playful reinterpretation of office wear is best suited for after-hours enjoyment.

2. Navel Gazing:

Surprise appearances of bellybuttons took an unexpected turn this season through clever cutouts rather than the typical crop tops or blazers-without-shirts. GmbH, Christopher Esber, Courrèges, and Acne Studios skillfully incorporated this cheeky hint of sexuality into their designs, providing a playful yet subtle element within collections that leaned towards modesty.

3. Get Shorty:

Short shorts take center stage, pushing the boundaries of casual wear. Isabel Marant, Acne Studios, Stella McCartney, and Miu Miu showcase skin-tight shorts that flirt with ‘are those just underwear?’ territory. Paired with generous blouses or matching leather jackets, these short shorts leave just enough to the imagination, adding a daring element to the runway.

4. Big Fuzz:

Paris embraces a tactile trend with Big Fuzz, as gathered tufts of cotton and yarn adorn hemlines, shrugs, and entire ensembles. Schiaparelli, Rabanne, Rokh, and Alexander McQueen present shaggy silhouettes that invite a touch of crafty cosiness for the upcoming spring/summer season.

5. Seeing Spots:

Polka dots experience an unlikely revival, with no hot takes, just classic black and white spots. Undercover, Stella McCartney, Balmain, and Elie Saab incorporate these timeless patterns on modern biker jackets and retro sharp-shouldered blazers, adding a touch of nostalgia and charm.

6. Abstract Florals:

Parisian designers take a more abstract approach to florals for the upcoming season. Through graphic repetition and clever silhouettes, brands like Elaborate and paraphrased interpretations of floral themes distinguish this trend from the more literal approach seen in London for spring/summer.

FAQ’s

1. When did Paris Fashion Week 2024 take place?

Paris Fashion Week 2024 commenced on January 16th and concluded on January 21st, showcasing the latest trends and designs in the fashion industry.

2. How did Paris Fashion Week originate?

Paris Fashion Week traces its roots back to the 19th century when Charles Frederick Worth organized the first documented fashion show in 1858. The establishment of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in 1868 marked a crucial milestone in formalizing fashion events in Paris.

3. What role did iconic designers play in shaping Paris as a fashion capital?

Renowned haute couture houses like Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga, and Givenchy played a crucial role in shaping Paris as the center of global fashion. The groundbreaking “New Look” collection by Christian Dior in 1947, among other innovations, influenced the course of fashion worldwide.

4. How has Paris Fashion Week evolved in the 21st century?

With the advent of the internet and digital media, Paris Fashion Week transformed into a globally accessible event. Live streaming of runway shows and extensive coverage on social media platforms allowed fashion enthusiasts worldwide to participate in the excitement. The event also adapted to global trends, emphasizing sustainability and diversity.

5. What were the top trends during Paris Fashion Week 2024?

Some of the notable trends from this season included “Officecore Rebellion,” featuring whimsical takes on traditional office attire, “Navel Gazing” with surprise bellybutton appearances through clever cutouts, “Get Shorty” showcasing skin-tight shorts, “Big Fuzz” embracing tactile trends with tufts of cotton and yarn, and “Seeing Spots” with a revival of classic black and white polka dots.