Paris Fashion Week opened on Monday, capping off a month of global runway shows as the fashion industry undergoes one of its most dramatic overhauls in years.
Chanel and Christian Dior are at the centre of the shake-up, each betting on new designers to revitalise flagging sales.
The nine-day event, running through to 7 October, follows shows in New York, London and Milan, drawing retailers, journalists, models and celebrities to the French capital.
It features high-profile debuts at Chanel and Dior alongside fresh creative leadership at Balenciaga, Loewe and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Chanel, which reported a 4% drop in sales last year, has appointed Matthieu Blazy, 41, as creative director.
Blazy, formerly of Bottega Veneta, becomes only the third person to hold the role since the 1980s, following Karl Lagerfeld and his successor Virginie Viard.
His first collection for the French house will be shown on 6 October at the Grand Palais, Lagerfeld’s favoured venue.
At Dior, owned by LVMH, Jonathan Anderson has stepped into a dual role overseeing both menswear and womenswear.
Anderson, 41, comes from Loewe and has previewed his vision with an advertising campaign starring Greta Lee, blending minimal makeup, tailored feminine silhouettes and rugby shirts in muted tones.
His first womenswear collection for Dior will debut on 1 October.
The shake-up reflects the broader struggles facing luxury fashion. Since the post-pandemic boom faded, sales growth has slowed sharply, with steep price hikes dampening demand for handbags and other accessories.
Executives hope the injection of fresh creativity will restore momentum and re-engage customers.
Other notable debuts this season include Pierpaolo Piccioli at Balenciaga, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez at Loewe, and Duran Lantink at Jean Paul Gaultier.
