The grand finale of fashion month, Paris Fashion Week, concluded on October 4th. While the season may not have brought groundbreaking trends, it was certainly not short on conversation-starting moments. From copycat controversies to the representation of the state of fashion, industry players made their voices heard.
A Dress Made of Spray
One standout moment came from Coperni’s show, where a sprayed-on dress caused quite a stir. The audience watched in awe as the fibrous layers of the patented spray developed by London-based company Fabrican condensed and dried instantly, mummifying supermodel Bella Hadid. The dress appeared soft and stretchy like cotton, but the highlight was the viral moment of its creation. The performance drew comparisons to McQueen’s Spring-Summer 1999 show, where robots sprayed a white dress worn by Shalom Harlow. While the press initially criticized the designers, the intention was to explore the relationship between humans and machines.
Balenciaga’s Mud-Slinging Show
Balenciaga took a unique approach to represent the condition of the fashion system. Creative director Demna trucked 275 cubic meters of black mud into a convention center on the outskirts of Paris. The show, opened by Kanye West, drew attention not only for his collection but also for the controversial “White Lives Matter” T-shirt he wore. The question arises: is Kanye a multifaceted talent deserving of respect or simply skilled at stirring controversy?
Loewe’s Pixelated Squares
Loewe impressed with handmade looks featuring pixelated squares. The effect was even more striking for smartphone viewers, as the pieces resembled virtual, NFT-like clothing. Jonathan Anderson blurred the line between reality and virtual fiction, leaving a lasting impression.
Chanel Chooses Serenity
Amidst the controversies, Chanel opted for serenity. Brand president Bruno Pavlovsky explained that they preferred a dream over controversy. Perhaps, in a world where dreams seem distant, Chanel’s sentiment resonates.
In the end, Paris Fashion Week proved that it’s not just about trends. It’s a platform for creative expression, where controversies cut through the noise. Fashion continues to challenge boundaries, spark conversations, and ignite passions.
Sofia Sarandrea, Fashion Business, Digital Communication and New Media, 3rd year, Milan
