Amidst the glitz and glamour of Paris Fashion Week, environmental activism took center stage as climate change and animal rights issues continued to challenge the fashion industry’s traditional values.
Monday’s events at the renowned fashion week saw environmental activists staging protests to underscore the urgent need for sustainable practices. Louis Vuitton, an emblematic luxury brand with a global footprint, found itself in the crosshairs. Notably, French YouTube personality, Jeremstar, was taken into custody for a brief period following a dramatic demonstration against the brand’s use of animal skins. Dressed as a “dismembered snake,” Jeremstar’s protest outside Louis Vuitton’s showcase on the Champs-Elysees was symbolic of the call against animal cruelty. Additionally, the brand’s boutique suffered damage from activists who used spray paint to voice their condemnation, with the poignant message: “The deaths from climate precariousness are on their conscience.”
However, within the opulent confines of the venue, the pressing environmental concerns appeared to fade into the background. Notable attendees, including celebrities such as Cate Blanchett and Zendaya, were captivated by artistic director Nicolas Ghesquiere’s spring-summer collection. Defined by its bohemian-chic aesthetic, the collection was a masterful blend of ethereal skirts, relaxed shirts, and a soft pastel palette. Elegant mini skirts paired with relaxed jackets, complemented by white tights and artistic heeled shoes, encapsulated the collection’s informal yet intricate design.
In a contrasting approach, Stella McCartney, a British fashion powerhouse, sought to merge style with sustainability. She created a platform spotlighting “cruelty-free and conscious material innovations.” Highlights from this showcase included vegan leather, organic cotton, and a pioneering seaweed-based yarn cultivated from regenerative kelp. However, championing green technologies in fashion is not without challenges. McCartney’s venture into mushroom-based leather via the US start-up Bolt Threads faced an unfortunate setback due to insufficient investment.
Stella McCartney’s collection
exuded a sense of nostalgic homage. Several pieces drew inspiration from the touring days of her parents, Paul and Linda McCartney, with Wings in the 1970s. A rich tapestry of designs was presented, from relaxed high-end jeans and crop tops to a lavish silk gown distinguished by its distinctive shoulder design. McCartney highlighted that a commendable 95% of the collection was crafted from “responsible materials”, a testament to her commitment to sustainability.
The Hermes brand was also not exempt from scrutiny. Despite presenting a visually captivating stage set within a wildflower-filled prairie, animal rights group PETA expressed their dissatisfaction with the brand’s use of crocodile skin, briefly disrupting the show.
This is not the first instance of Louis Vuitton grappling with environmental activism. The brand has previously been confronted by the Extinction Rebellion group, highlighting the growing intersection of fashion and environmental concerns.
In conclusion, as Paris Fashion Week unravels, it becomes evident that the fashion industry is at a pivotal crossroads. Brands are increasingly compelled to harmonize style with sustainability, a testament to the pressing global imperatives of our times.
With AFP
