Paris Men’s Fashion Week Faces Heatwave Challenges Amid Star-Studded Shows

Paris experienced an intense heatwave last week, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius, which significantly impacted the Men’s Fashion Week events in the French capital that concluded on Sunday. Designers and fashion houses had to adjust schedules, moving shows to early mornings or late evenings to cope with the extreme heat. Despite these efforts, models and guests struggled with the heat, often sweating visibly or wearing heavy layered clothing.

The finale featured Rick Owens’ show and introduced new designers like LAD by Ladislas Manda and Hyacyn by Tobias Ulmer. Major fashion houses such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent competed with grand productions and star-studded guest lists. However, these brands did not present tightly cohesive collections. While Jonathan Anderson’s Dior collection showed creativity, Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent repeated familiar themes, including recycled gimmicks like Louis Vuitton’s beach motif, reminiscent of Chanel’s from seven years ago. The color palettes, however, were praised.

Michael Ryder, Celine’s artistic director, presented his debut men’s spring-summer 2027 collection on the last day, accompanied by Terry Claire’s song "Dancing Girl." Ryder’s eclectic and multidimensional wardrobe broke away from uniform styles, offering a versatile range from skinny to wide pants, catering to diverse tastes within a single customer. He expressed hopes to build something lasting and fresh in fashion, moving away from what he described as a "flat" and predetermined industry.

Celebrity presence was notable, with North West, daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, attending the Vetements show’s front row. She recently turned 13 and appeared with turquoise hair and double lip piercings. Sean Preston and Jayden James, Britney Spears’ sons, walked the runway, while actress Sharon Stone closed the Vetements show energetically. The front rows also featured rappers, musicians, and internet stars. Madonna attracted attention smoking a cigar at Saint Laurent’s front row alongside Charlie XCX before hosting the brand’s after-party. This act echoed a rebellious vibe from 2008, when France banned smoking in indoor public spaces, making the gesture somewhat outdated.

Overall, the Paris Men’s Fashion Week was marked by the struggle against the heatwave, a mix of emerging and established designers, and high-profile celebrity appearances, underscoring the challenges and glamour of the event under extreme weather conditions.