2.3 MINUTES READING | GEORGIA BRITO

If you followed the news in the last month, you probably know about the riots in Paris.

And the anti-violence protests that are occurring in the French capital.

The motivation behind those riots is very legitimate. The violence against minority groups is rampant and even deadly, and no country should be quiet about this type of behavior towards its population. The streets of Paris were filled with people making serious political requests, and this was the main subject.

On the other hand, if you’re part of the fashion community, you may also be aware that this month was Haute Couture Week, a highly anticipated event for the industry where we get to see the houses that still make art-like fashion.

However, the event caused controversy as it is the most extravagant form of fashion and also one of the most exclusive and expensive shows of the year, raising the question: How much can we care about “vain” things in a moment of social conflict?

The only brand that canceled their show was Celine, actually from the men’s season, and the creative director Hedi Slimane posted a note on his Instagram saying:

“A fashion show in Paris, while France and its capital are bereaved and bruised, seems from my own point of view, inconsiderate and totally out of place.”

Although Celine made an official announcement with words like that, no other brand canceled or delayed their shows, and the Haute Couture Week stayed on and strong.

Moments like that can make it seem like fashion brands and the whole fashion industry are really careless about important political matters, but there is a point in not canceling the shows that I cannot deny: The money spent on a fashion week, even the amount of money that the city of Paris gets to circulate, is massive. Most of the brands even spend more money than they gain back from the couture shows to make that show something outstanding in many ways, and to cancel it would be an extreme move. Even thinking about that today, they wouldn’t do it.

And they didn’t!

In the end, all we can do is think about it ourselves because we know for sure no big brand will even address that matter. I do think some actions come with a sense of respect in moments of political discourse, and in fact, fashion can be seen as an unimportant matter for many people. But the economy can’t lie about fashion being one of the most notorious industries in the world, and surely those Fashion Week events help to bring conversations and even a form of economic boost to the places they happen.

Fashion can be sometimes very self-centered… no shame.

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If you have thoughts and want to share your opinions with me, I am 300% open for conversations!! I would love to hear from some of you.

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