Out of the three types of fashion week — ready-to-wear, men's and haute couture — it’s the latter that typically draws in the most theatrics and high-profile celebs.
It's understandable, of course. The quintessentially French event is regarded as the pinnacle of fashion. The term haute couture is trademarked and legally controlled in France, and can only be bestowed by the Ministry of Industry in France under strict guidelines, no less. It's showcase for a designer’s most audacious ideas and most impressive craftsmanship, as well as a chance for celebs to pick out their next red carpet look.
Tuesday’s festivities began with Chanel’s first sitting at the Grand Palais Éphémère. A more subdued affair compared to the A-list packed midday showing, the 10am-er welcomed American Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour and film director Baz Luhrmann who watched Margaret Qualley, Ameila Gray and Mona Tougaard all walk the runway.
The 29-year-old Poor Things actress is a longtime Chanel ambassador, and last appeared in the Kendrick Lamar sound tracked short film "The Button", which was released ahead of the Chanel Haute Couture Spring/ Summer 2024 show. It was fitting, then, that Qualley opened the show in a signature white Chanel tweed jacket complete with a Jacobean era ruff and gold monogrammed buttons, paired with white tights and a sheer panel skirt.
Later on South Korean singer Minji joined British actress Lucy Boynton and rapper Baby Keem. Also in attendance were “The Button” stars Naomi Campbell and Kendrick Lamar, who sat next to one another in custom Chanel. Eschewing formalities, Lamar notably donned a pair of jeans and trainers alongside Chanel logoed hair clips.
Chanel follows Schiaparelli's Monday opener. For their Spring Summer 2024 offering the surrealist house welcomed Gen Z star Zendaya in a slinky black turtleneck featuring 3D-knotted spikes down the arm and a satin ruched skirt with a dramatic train. Most notably the Dune lead sported a brand new hairdo — a fashion-forward micro fringe with ultra straight lengths.
She was reunited with to Euphoria co-star Hunter Schafer, whose recent viral Hunger Game press tour proved she’s a massive admirer of couture Schiaparelli — in particular, an uncanny, hand-painted puzzle-piece couture dress which she wore to the Berlin premiere of blockbuster The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes. This time the actress chose a relatively understated little black dress with a plunging neckline and gold floral applique halter neck, which further cemented her status as a rising fashion It girl.
J-Lo was also in attendance, sporting a pair of sculptural sunnies with extravagant, gold eyebrows, as well as a white paper mache-esque coat from the upcoming couture collection. While Korean rapper CL sported a black Schiaparelli ready-to-wear SS24 cape.
Together the A-listers watched as a gown made from upcycled pieces of pre-2007 technology dubbed the “robot dress”, a patent recreation of one of Elsa Schiaparelli's favourite LBDs, and an assortment of fantastically tailored whimsical sleeves went down the runway.
Next up: Dior. Taking place at the Musée Rodin creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri pulled in an impressive FROW, including the typically elusive Rihanna who wowed in a off-the shoulder padded suit jacket and matching ankle-grazing skirt, leather gloves and a titled cap. As well as The Crown star Elizabeth Debicki, who donned a chic, no frills all-white shirt and high-waisted shirt ensemble.
Inside, American actress Natalie Portman posed alongside South Korean actress Han So-hee against the show’s stunning backdrop. Designed in collaboration with artist Isabella Ducrot, it consisted of 23 dresses each 5 meters high to highlight the relationship between the body and clothing.
Anya Taylor-Joy also made an appearance, opting for a fiery red dress and biker boots. So did Monica Belluci’s daughter Deva Cassel, former French first lady Carla Bruni and Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford.
On Wednesday, heads turned to the hotly anticipated Jean Paul Gaultier collection, this season guest designed by the Irish, London-based designer Simone Rocha. Kylie Jenner made her 2024 couture week debut, as she took her seat by Kelly Rutherford and Chicken Shop Date’s Amelia Dimoldenberg.
But it was to be Jenner’s evening outing that set Paris (and the internet) alight. Arriving at the Valentino show, the Kardashians star and beauty mogul walked hand-in-hand with Stormi Webster, her 5-year-old daughter with rapper Travis Scott.
Inside, the pair posed with Stormi’s grandmother, Kris Kardashian, as well as Florence Pugh and Jennifer Lopez. To the disappointment of many, Jenner’s current beau Timothée Chalamet was nowhere to be seen.
The closing shows drew a flurry of stars, too — Fendi was shown at 2pm, and delivered one final Zendaya sighting. The actor opted for a burgundy knit dress with thumb holes and a dazzling diamond necklace. But it was another couture mother-daughter outing, this time from Reece Witherspoon and her eldest daughter, Ava Phillippe, that whipped up the most excitement.
And the week finished with a Margiela blowout, courtesy of creative director John Galliano. Game of Thrones actor Gwendoline Christie walked the show, while the Kardashian army united on the front row. Kim Kardashian made her first fashion week appearance this year, and was joined by mother Kris and half-sister Kylie.
