Despite rumors of changes in top French fashion brands, Hollywood stars braved the rain to kick off Paris Fashion Week at L’Oréal’s grand outdoor show.
The cosmetics giant enlisted Jane Fonda—sporting stylish silver sneakers—along with Kendall Jenner, Eva Longoria, and several other brand ambassadors to walk in a spectacular public show in front of the stunning Opera Garnier.
With invitations to major luxury shows typically reserved for the elite and fashion insiders, L’Oréal aimed to democratize the glamour of Fashion Week. The “Walk Your Worth” show, introduced by singer Celine Dion, also featured Andie MacDowell, Indian star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, models with prosthetic limbs, and Brazilian supermodel Luma Grothe proudly showcasing her baby bump.
“The idea is to let the public see the beautiful clothes, settings, and people they would never normally have access to,”
said Delphine Viguier, L’Oréal’s Paris director general.
Fashion’s emerging talents faced a challenging start to the nine-day event. Rising French designer Victor Weinsanto held his spring-summer show on the wet and windy roof of the Pompidou Centre museum. His fishnet and mesh ensembles—created in collaboration with Croatian drag queen Le Filip—were put to the test by the elements.
The Paris shows began against a backdrop of declining profits at luxury giants LVMH and Kering, sparking discussions about a “Game of Thrones” scenario among top designers. Hedi Slimane and Simon Porte Jacquemus are rumored to be contenders for Karl Lagerfeld’s former position at Chanel, following Virginie Viard’s departure in June.
As the spring-summer shows continue, speculation surrounds John Galliano’s next move as his contract at Maison Margiela nears its end. The first major shows from iconic French houses will take place on Tuesday, featuring Dior and Saint Laurent, reaffirming Paris’s dominance over rivals Milan, New York, and London.
Chanel will close out Fashion Week on October 1 at the Grand Palais—home to some of Lagerfeld’s most memorable shows—after a four-year absence. The house is investing 30 million euros ($33 million) to stage its presentation at the historic venue, which has recently undergone renovations in preparation for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
With Viard gone, many expect a collection that draws from Chanel’s classic designs. Meanwhile, Alessandro Michele, the innovative Italian designer who transformed Gucci, is set to make his debut for Valentino with high expectations.
Another exciting event will be hosted by French duo Coperni at Disneyland Paris on the final night, featuring an after-party in the theme park that promises to last into the early hours. The founders, Arnaud Vaillant and Sebastien Meyer, gained attention for their outfit worn by Belgian singer Angèle during the Olympics closing ceremony.
The Olsen twins have also maintained their spot for their luxury line, The Row, during Fashion Week thanks to financial support from Chanel and L’Oréal. However, Givenchy will be absent this season as new British designer Sarah Burton—who spent 25 years at Alexander McQueen—has just taken on the role of creative director.
