Paris Fashion Week is set to return on Tuesday, offering a brief reprieve from France’s political unrest following surprise legislative elections and a far-right surge in European polls. The menswear shows will run until Sunday, immediately followed by haute couture displays until June 27.
Despite the turbulence, several top fashion houses, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermes, and Balenciaga, will showcase their latest collections. However, notable absentees this season include Valentino, Givenchy, and Olivier Rousteing’s Balmain, which pulled out last minute due to the compressed schedule caused by the upcoming Olympics.
Pharrell Williams will continue his prominent role at Louis Vuitton, marking a year since his extravagant debut. A significant event will be Vogue’s mega-party on Sunday, the third edition of Vogue World, merging sports and fashion, echoing previous successful events in New York and London.
However, the fashion world is buzzing with speculation after Chanel’s recent announcement of Virginie Viard’s departure. Viard, who succeeded Karl Lagerfeld in 2019, will not attend Chanel’s couture show on June 25, despite achieving record sales last year. Potential successors include Marine Serre, Hedi Slimane, Pierpaolo Piccioli, and Simon Porte Jacquemus.
Valentino is also anticipating the debut of new creative director Alessandro Michele, formerly of Gucci, while Givenchy continues its search for a new lead designer following Matthew Williams’ departure.
This week will also mark the final show for Belgian designer Dries Van Noten, who is retiring after a distinguished career celebrated for his avant-garde designs and masterful tailoring.
