Paris fashion week men's kicks off in scorching heat, featuring dior shift and a soccer surge
Paris Fashion Week Men’s is set to ignite this week, promising a packed schedule and a distinctly uncomfortable experience: relentless heat is forecast to dominate the proceedings. The first show, originally slated for 2:30 PM on Wednesday at Dior, was dramatically moved forward to 9:00 AM – a stark reflection of the rising temperatures.
A soccer-inspired shift
But the heat isn’t the only trend emerging from the capital. Expect a significant infusion of soccer-inspired elements across collections, fueled by the ongoing World Cup. L’Oréal Men Expert’s La Grande Nuit des Champions watch party, taking place at the iconic Parc des Princes stadium on June 26th, will be a prime example, livestreaming France versus Norway. The buzz isn’t just about the games; pop-up watch parties are anticipated throughout the city.
Fresh faces and firsts
Several key debuts are shaping the week's narrative. Celine’s Michael Rider is making his highly anticipated menswear runway debut, while Sarah Burton will present Givenchy’s first-ever men’s collection. Veteran designer Willy Chavarria returns for his fourth season, opting for a presentation rather than a traditional show – a deliberate move signaling a shift in approach. Hermès, under Jonathan Anderson’s direction, will also showcase a studio presentation, preceding Grace Wales Bonner’s debut in January.
A schedule packed with innovation
The schedule itself is robust, featuring 33 shows and 37 presentations – a significant increase from last season’s 30 shows and 40 presentations. Saint Laurent will kick things off on June 25th at 5:00 PM, continuing its somewhat unpredictable scheduling habits. Auralee by Ryota Iwai is also generating significant interest, already considered a ‘hot ticket’ on the menswear calendar. Louis Vuitton will close out the initial day.
Beyond the runway: a week of experiences
However, PFW Men’s is expanding beyond the typical runway format. Kenzo’s presentation is evolving into ‘La Fête de Kenzo,’ a multi-site immersive experience spanning several locations in the Place des Victoires, incorporating a showroom, pop-up shop, café, and flower installation. Jaden Smith, Christian Louboutin's new men's creative director, will present his second collection on June 24th, followed by Acne Studios celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special issue of Acne Paper 21. Amiri’s co-ed show promises a lavish take on Hollywood glamour, while Feng Chen Wang and Meryll Rogge (of Marni) will also showcase their collections.
Strategic investments and rising stars
Kering CEO Luca de Meo has publicly stated the company’s ambition to more than double its men’s business by 2030 – a bold statement underscoring the strategic importance of PFW Men’s. Don’t miss the Pomellato exhibition and the Balenciaga Boost pop-up, offering a glimpse into the brand’s latest innovations. Ultimately, this season’s PFW Men’s promises a potent blend of established talent, fresh faces, and a palpable energy, all set against the backdrop of a relentlessly hot Parisian summer.