Paris Fashion Week Autumn/ Winter 2024

Image Credit: Courtesy of Dior

Paris Fashion Week is the apex of luxury fashion excellence, where designers from all over the globe emerge to present their latest collections. With a staggering 108 shows and presentations over the course of the week, Paris is the largest and most sought after fashion week in the world. The Autumn/ Winter 2024 shows promised to be a spectacle and they were nothing short of that featuring unparalleled creativity and innovation. The fashion world watched eagerly as some of the biggest names in fashion made their appearances, and here are just a handful of our favourites from what was a spectacular week of fashion.

Dior

Opening Paris Fashion Week with sophistication and simplicity, Dior presented a collection that paid homage to its illustrious history while embracing a contemporary flair. The runway was filled with classic silhouettes including trench coats, trilby hats and patent leather pumps and boots.The pieces on the runway gave the essence of Parisian chic in the 1960’s, from which much of the inspiration was taken. In the centre of the runway were golden structures resembling warriors, creating a museum-esque setting referencing the archival revival that was featured in this collection. The collections neutral colour palette and sleek designs hinted at a shift towards simplicity for Dior which appeared to be a theme throughout fashion week this year. We have seen designers move further away from extravagant designs and focus on finding beauty in the everyday. The archival collection was given a modern twist through the feature of ‘Miss Dior’ being spray painted across some of the garments adding a sense of rebellion to what was a very clean-cut collection.

Image Credit: Courtesy of Dior

Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood’s showcase was a celebration of gender fluidity and artistic expression that pushed the boundaries of fashion. With musician Sam Smith, who has become known for his striking red carpet choices, making a statement on the runway, the show made headlines. The collection explored unconventional fashion choices and focused on blurring societal norms with fashion especially in regard to gender. There were many men who adorned dresses and heels while many women sported oversized outfits hiding their figures. The collection saw a multitude of mixed prints and patterns to make a statement and further push the boundaries. Drawing inspiration from the late Renaissance costumes and traditional folk dance, Andreas Kronthaler curated a vibrant collection across the backdrop of a trio of lively folk dancers. The bold presentation challenged the conventional boundaries of fashion, and it was certainly the show this week that got people talking most.

Image Credit: Courtesy of Vivienne Westwood

Valentino

Pierpaolo Piccioli stunned audiences with a departure from the brand’s typical vibrant pink hues, instead opting for an all black collection titled ‘Valentino Le Noir’. He stated that the use of the colour black was a representation of our current society and the need to be in the darkness to find light. In this bold statement Piccioli explored the power of silhouettes and the representation of female elegance. Inspired by the sleek minimalism in their 1980’s archives, the collection exuded sophistication and understated glamour, once again coinciding with the trend in fashion week that was finding beauty in simplicity and drawing back from extravagant designs. Against the opulent backdrop of a classical dance hall adorned with gold features and decadent chandeliers, Piccioli unveiled a new direction for Valentino, one that embraces simplicity and refinement.

Image Credit: Courtesy of Valentino

Mugler

Mugler’s show captivated audiences with its emphasis on inclusivity and innovation. Set in a school gymnasium, the show celebrated diversity with a cast of models varying in age, size, gender and ethnicity representing various forms of beauty. The collection showcased edgy textures with the use of lots of leather and mesh to create designs intended to empower those that wear them. The show intended to be an immersive experience, completed with the use of drones and remote controlled cameras to capture every miniscule detail in the pieces. Cadawaller is steering Mugler in a new direction and Paris Fashion Week served as a preview for his plans for the fashion house.

Image Credit: Marc Piasecki