This Sunday, Paris witnessed a vibrant spectacle as “Vogue World” launched its third installment at the iconic Place Vendôme, setting the stage for the upcoming Paris Couture Week. This event, following successful shows in New York and London, not only showcased high fashion but also celebrated the impending 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the city’s first since 1924.
The grand venue, known for its luxury boutiques like Schiaparelli, Boucheron, and Van Cleef & Arpels, and famed as the long-time residence of Coco Chanel at the Ritz Hotel, was entirely transformed for the occasion. Vogue, under the patronage of high-level endorsements including the Elysée, brought together the crème de la crème of fashion, sports, and entertainment.
The event featured performances by Aya Nakamura and Bad Bunny, while sports icons and models such as Venus and Serena Williams, and top models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, showcased athletic-inspired outfits from brands like Hermès, Marine Serre, and Off-White. The show opened with a group of young, hopeful Olympians donned in Lacoste, setting a theme of sporting excellence that permeated the event.
Fashion historian Alexandre Samson, alongside stylists Carine Roitfeld and Ib Kamara, curated ensembles from renowned French fashion houses including Chanel, Dior, and Balenciaga. These outfits not only highlighted Paris’ historical affinity for sportswear but also signaled the fashion industry’s readiness to engage with a wider cultural dialogue, merging haute couture with sports aesthetics.
Eugénie Trochu, Vogue France’s head of editorial, emphasized the event’s broader cultural impact, stating, “It’s about going further than just fashion, and rather creating culture and events.” This vision was echoed in the multimedia coverage that swiftly populated the Instagrams of various Vogue editions, accompanied by sportscaster-like commentaries.
The closing of the show was as dramatic as its opening, with a breakdance performance in Louis Vuitton outfits by Pharrell Williams, signaling a shift towards more inclusive and diverse representations within the fashion industry. This was a part of Vogue’s concerted effort to pay homage to the open-minded spirit of Paris fashion, particularly in the current political climate marked by the recent challenges in French elections.
As Paris gears up for the Olympics, “Vogue World” at Paris not only celebrated the fusion of fashion and sports but also set a precedent for future events where culture, sport, and fashion intermingle seamlessly.
