All the best highlights from the Paris Fashion Week 2023

Paris Fashion Week came to an end last evening with stunning presentations and showcases by designer labels such as Chanel, Miu Miu, Christian Wijnants and Anna October among several others. Chanel's Spring/Summer 24 collection drew inspiration from the vibrant colours of summer and each ensemble reflected themes of joy, celebration and leisure. Co-ord prints, its signature tweed and chic accessories made for an absolutely stunning collection. Miu Miu experimented with every-day way and reinterpreted classic style through a contemporary perspective. Belgian designer, Christian Wijnants's Spring/Summer '24 collection was all things floral and stunning. 

 

Here are the stand-out moments from the week.

October 2: Day Eight

Monday was definitely not mondaying in the fashion capital with Paris Fashion Week almost coming to an end. From Louis Vuitton and Stella McCartney to Zimmermann and Mugler, iconic brands and labels showcased their collection, each distinct and unique from the other. Stella McCartney's collection was called 'Stella's Sustainable Market,' and played with varying proportions, cuts and colours. It also featured the world's first garment made with Kelsun, a sea-weed-based yarn. Pastel tones, florals, and classic silhouettes took centre-stage in Zimmermann's Spring/Summer '24 collection. 

Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer '24 collection was an ode to the fall season combined with a retro-esque aesthetic. Checkered prints, striped, leather elements and of course, the brand's signature logo made for an absolutely stunning collection. The Mugler show under the creative directorship of Casey Cadwallader was all things bold, performative and intriguing. 

October 1: Day Seven 

On Sunday, the fashion capital witnessed iconic luxury fashion houses such a Balenciaga, Maison Valentino and other labels like Margaret Howell, and Casablanca showcased their collection. Known for classic tweed, twill and poplin, Margaret Howell's collection paid homage to its traditional aesthetic with a classic colour palette and more. With boxy jackets, voluminous sleeves, tailored trousers and an ocassional pop of colour in its experimental silhouettes. 

Known for its vibrant colours, rich fabrics and pop-cultural aesthetic, Casablanca's Spring/Summer 24 collection was all things stunning and the perfect blend of timeless and contemporary. 

Our favourite show, however, was by Maison Valentino, whose collection was an ode to innovation, technology and elements of classicism. Model Kaia Gerber took to the ramp in a white mini dress with motifs that took to the human form. 

There was also 'The Line Becomes Us' the collection by Arya Giri, an international luxury pret label built out of India that showcased a beautiful blend of menswear and womenswear. 

September 30: Day Six 

Saturday saw the fashion industry's most iconic labels such as Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Hermes and Elie Saab showcase their collection in the fashion capital. Most famously known for bringing in modern punk to the fashion scene, Westwood's collection was the perfect blend of raw, deconstructed silhouettes with classic prints and patterns. Pops of glitter and other chic accessories gave a complete appearance to the collection. The Hermes Spring/Summer 24 collection, created by Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski was all things light, simple and minimal. Amidst a set up of meadows and tall grass, brown, beige and deep orange silhouettes took centre-stage at the show and accentuated the forms and contours of the body. 

Called, 'Moonlight Shadow,' Elie Saab's Spring/Summer 24 collection was al things couture and reflected sartorial elegance at its best. White, ivory and metallic tones with an occasional pop of colour and glitter embellishments made for an absolutely stunning collection. With a play of reds, blacks and whites, bold cuts and elements that reflected the human form, Alexander McQueen's collection was aptly titled, 'Anatomy' and was all things intriguing and elegant. 

September 29: Day Five 

It was a fantastic day five at Paris Fashion Week with labels such as Alexis Mabille, Leonard Paris, Victoria Beckham, Loewe, Nina Ricci, and Coperni, among others, showcasing their collections. Designer Alexis Mabille dropped an evening wear collection that played with pastel and metallic tones, timeless silhouettes, and floral prints. Château de Vincennes witnessed a stellar Spring/Summer 24 collection by Loewe under the creative directorship of Jonathan Anderson. With classic knits and button-down coats, the collection was apt for everyday wear. 

Indian designer, Tanieya Khanuja celebrated her 12th season at PFW this year with a collection, Iconic Diaries, inspired by iconic women who make the world better and continued to pay tribute to her sustainable and sartorial sensibilities. Powerful silhouettes, structured fluid designs and bold colours with a play of sequins and shimmer made this one especially interesting. 

Victoria Beckham's Spring/Summer 24 collection was an ode to the label's signature aesthetic with oversized silhouettes, the use of sheer, and a neutral palette. The day ended with a memorable collection by Coperni that featured lots of denims, bold cuts, and a formal-wear asethetic. 

September 28: Day Four 

Day Four at Paris Fashion Week kicked of with a stellar showcase by Chinese designer label Uma Wang. Inspired by Venetian culture and the idea that vintage opulence decays over time, the collection features distressed vintage fabrics, protruding volumes, ribbons and drawstrings that are part of its various silhouettes. The French luxury maison, Chloe presented its Spring/Summer 24 collection under the creative directorship of Gabriela Hearst and was a botanical and floral-inspired collection rooted in the theme of climate consciousness. 

Slovakian label Nehera played with classic tones and over-the-top blazers, and trousers in its collection. École militaire in Paris witnessed a stunning collection by Matthew Williams of Givenchy with chic styles, a contemporary aesthetic and neutral tones. 

Our favourite moment, however, was the showcase by Schiaparelli, whose ready-to-wear collection by Daniel Roseberry was iconic to say the least. White silhouettes, button down shirts, bold cuts and signature elements made for a stunning collection by the brand. Model Kendall Jenner was seen walking the ramp in an embellished, red midi, looking gorgeous as ever. 

September 27: Day Three 

Day three at Paris Fashion Week became home to sartorial elegance with labels such as Courreges, Marni, Minuit, Balmain, Didu and Acne Studios. Creative Director Francesco Risso of Marni presented a playful and vibrant collection, interspersed with AI-generated design and the use of advanced technology. Oversized coats, boxy blazers, experimental silhouettes that were striking in their multicoloured and striped aesthetic. 3D floral elements also took centre-stage with this collection. Acne Studios' Spring/Summer 24 collection was called, 'After Hours Liberation,' and was defined by silhouettes of denims, leather, and silk. Celebrities such as Kylie Jenner took front row at the show.

French fashion designer and creative director of Balmain, Olivier Rousteing presented a stunning floral-inspired collection, drawing inspiration from the brand's archives. Deep necks, extravagant sleeves and mini dresses made up much of the collection. 

September 26: Day Two 

The stars of the second day were Saint Laurent, Peter Do, and Christian Dior, who showcased their collections to a packed audience. Belgian-Italian designer Anthony Vaccarello closed the day with an outstanding show at the Eiffel Tower as celebrities like Kate Moss and Hailey Bieber among others experienced what was a trademark Saint Laurent showcase. Inspired by female pilots and aviators over time, the collection featured pocketed jumpsuits, khaki-coloured bottoms, buttoned tank tops, head caps, and leather gloves. Furthermore, models also walked the runway in service jackets and trousers in burgundy, brown, and cream colours. 

After making all the right noises at the New York Fashion Week, Peter Do's debut in Paris saw his collection strike the perfect balance between sexiness and sophistication. The dominant colours were white, black, gray, camel, and crimson, with two of them being chosen in every piece, which included trousers and blazers.

However, it was the Christian Dior show by Maria Grazia Chiuri that grabbed headlines. To begin with, it was held amid a video installation by artist Elena Bellantoni that evoked vocal feminist statements, such as “I Don’t Belong To Anyone Else”, “My Body Is Not A Product”, and “I Am Not Your Doll” that were plastered across the walls of the venue. The looks included transparent dresses, blazers, gowns, skirts, and black coats over white shirts. 

September 25: Day One

The Paris Fashion Week began with Belgium's Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, a new kid on the block, showcasing her latest beach-themed collection. From a host of grey, formal outfits, to Barbie pink and sky blue dresses, it included everything. It was followed by a show by Victor Weinsanto, who opened his collection with an extravagant wedding gown that he said was designed for "a woman who gets married entirely in Swarovski". 

Making a return to the Paris line-up after more than two decades, Pierre Cardin held a show at the headquarters of France's Communist Party. It was the French label's second show at Paris Fashion Week since founder, Pierre Cardin, died in 2020. The backdrop and the models were decked in blue to highlight the colour of the ocean.