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Writer's pictureOlivia McKenley
Oct 22 min read

Paris Fashion Week 2024: A Convergence of Old and New

Paris Fashion Week, one of the globe’s most notorious runway experiences, is

underway from September 23rd until October 3rd. Since its start in 1973, PFW has become the center for haute couture, displaying some of the most infamous and promising designers on the world stage, and redirecting the flow of trends in a matter of days. PFW 2024 is no exception, especially excelling in combining fashion semblances from the past with current, relevant motifs. 


Chloé

One show that displayed this ode to fashion’s past was Chloé. The brand’s Spring 2025 show embraced a bohemian air. Many of the looks were composed of frilly/sheer lace, layered ruffles, and nostalgic florals. Gold jewelry, juxtaposed leather jackets, and tinted sunglasses completed some of the pieces. The rustic chic styling of the collection paid effective homage to the 60s and 70s styling. The incorporation of sleek, black statement pieces helps project the collection towards the modernity of today’s emerging collections. Ultimately, Chloé 2025 evidences the timelessness of retro silhouettes while still incorporating trending, present-day elements.


Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent also delved into the past, drawing inspiration from its very own House founder for their spring 2025 collection. Yves Saint Laurent often sported masculine suit attire and procured similar silhouettes in his women's clothing design, making it his brand's staple. In the PFW show, models strutted in suit and trouser pairings. The silhouettes accentuated broad shoulders, layering, and an oversized fit. The looks were often paired with gold accents, patterned ties, and warm glasses to provoke this classic, old-money professionalism. 


The show’s runway was a cobalt blue, sprinkled with illusions of rain, an attempt at embodying Laurent’s infamous gardens from his Marrakech home. The collection, on top of the setting, is reminiscent of city opulence, specifically notable from the 1980s. The narrative element of Saint Laurent excelled in transporting audiences back to the beginning of the brand. Respect was paid to the origins of fashion fads and the line spoke to these designs' relevance in today’s industry.


Schiaparelli

Schiaparelli, another stand-out brand of PFW, drew from archival fashion for inspiration in their 2025 show. In comparison to the brand's more polished repertoire, the 2025 pieces edged on more alluring colors and silhouettes while still maintaining their distinct artisanal elegance. The collection introduced vivid hues of blues, reds, and yellow with denim, prints of zebra, and shimmer embellishment throughout the pieces. Kendall Jenner showed off a "ready-to-wear" boned corset paired with swooping jeans, representing this new era of simple style. 


The collection stayed true to its roots though, providing 80s and 90s chic ensembles that displayed broad geometric sleeves and necklines. The line expanded beyond the preconceived perceptions of what Schiaparelli would design, balancing both the sensual and the sophisticated.


PFW 2024 has exceeded the expectations of viewers and fashion fanatics alike. Amid the fashion industry where designers are scouring to manifest unique collections, PFW was a breath of fresh air. Houses and brands were inspired by history and fomented its narrative. This focus on the timelessness of fashion ultimately was far more compelling, achieving beauty and style. This year’s event is one to remember, as reapproaching the past while embracing innovation could be the key for future collections to come.




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