Rivers of gold, bare skin and J.Lo: Paris Fashion Week dazzles in defiance of luxury's slump
PARIS (AP) -- Saint Laurent sent out a river of gold, as giant chandeliers bathed a glossy black outdoor runway in golden light and the Eiffel Tower s
Paris Fashion Week unfolded in a dazzling display of extravagance, despite luxury's financial challenges. Saint Laurent commanded attention with a torrent of gold, as chandeliers illuminated a black runway set against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. High-profile attendees included Catherine Deneuve, Kate Moss, Hailey Bieber, and Rami Malek. Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez watched from Stella McCartney's rain-soaked gardens as Rihanna arrived for Matières Fecales, whose name translates to "fecal matter."
The week showcased three distinct narratives: grand-scale glamour, a complete stripping down to a pale pink thong, and the industry's integration of couture techniques into casual wear. Saint Laurent's show featured flowing gold, from brittle to translucent, reflecting the label's growth under Kering's ownership. Chloe approached excess through texture, while Stella McCartney's show catered to the damp audience with easy tailoring and coral knitted forms.
McCartney's rain-soaked gardens provided a stark contrast to the gold extravaganza that unfolded at Saint Laurent.
The industry appears to be constantly swapping designers in search of growth. Despite this, Saint Laurent's parent company Kering has returned to growth, while Balenciaga remains under pressure. For a luxury brand to justify itself in a downturn, showcasing technique and craftsmanship in everyday garments may be the answer. Loewe, marking its 180th year, opted for simpler designs with supple leather and glass-bead details, emphasizing the wearability of luxury.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
