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Paris Fashion Week began on Monday, September 23, with an outdoor show, starring Jane Fonda, Kendall Jenner, highlighting inclusivity and accessibility.
Paris Fashion Week 2025 began with a bang, marking the official return of one of the world’s most influential fashion events. Despite challenging weather, the nine-day extravaganza opened with an outdoor show by cosmetics giant L’Oreal, which aimed to democratize fashion by making it accessible to the general public. Against the grand backdrop of the Opera Garnier, a remarkable lineup of celebrities including Jane Fonda, Eva Longoria, and Kendall Jenner took to the runway in a mix of youthful energy and glamorous designs. Each of them showcased pieces by rising French designers like Mossi, Atlein, and Coperni, further emphasizing the event’s commitment to celebrating new talent.
Introduced by singer Celine Dion, the “Walk Your Worth” show featured a range of models, from seasoned icons like Andie MacDowell to newer faces such as Brazilian supermodel Luma Grothe, who proudly displayed her pregnancy on the catwalk. The inclusivity didn’t stop there—athletes with prosthetic limbs also walked the runway, a testament to L’Oreal’s commitment to diversity.
According to Delphine Viguier, L’Oreal Paris’s general manager, the aim of this public show was to bring the excitement and beauty of fashion week to a broader audience. “We want to make fashion accessible to all, showcasing the stunning settings and clothes that are usually reserved for the elite,” she said in a statement to AFP.
While the event captivated the public, the fashion industry is already abuzz with speculation about significant changes within some of its most storied houses. Both LVMH and Kering, two of the world’s leading luxury groups, have reported slight profit declines, which has spurred rumors of a “Game of Thrones”-like atmosphere among designers. There is talk of Simon Porte Jacquemus, known for popularizing tiny handbags, or Hedi Slimane, potentially stepping into the role at Chanel, left vacant after the departure of Virginie Viard earlier this year.
The excitement is set to continue throughout the week, with major players like Dior and Saint Laurent expected to present their spring-summer collections. The grand finale will be Chanel’s highly anticipated show, which will return to the recently renovated Grand Palais, a venue that has historically hosted some of the brand’s most memorable events under Karl Lagerfeld.
This year’s Paris Fashion Week promises to showcase exceptional designs and to reflect the growing trends of inclusivity, accessibility, and the infusion of new talent that will shape the future of the fashion world.
Paris Fashion Week runs until October 1.
With AFP
