Paris Fashion Week has always been a celebration of innovation, style, and the intersection of culture and fashion. As renowned designers, celebrities, fashion editors, and influencers flock into the French capital, one thing is certain: the fashion trends for the upcoming seasons are ready to be unveiled.
Although there’s an obvious buzz, this year is evidently set to redefine the outlook of men’s fashion. In the midst of creativity and cultural shifts, fashionable A-listers from Rihanna to Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Pharrell, and Zayn Malik have all gotten up-close seats along the catwalks at exhibitions by Christian Dior, Schiaparelli, Valentino, Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Chanel, and more.
These stars have attended these shows, increasingly embracing menswear as a powerful form of self-expression, signalling a notable shift in the lines between traditional men and women’s fashion. Sustainable fashion, vibrant colours, and androgynous silhouettes have taken centre stage, breaking away from conventional norms.
Iconic fashion houses like Schiaparrelli and Dior have led the charge, presenting designs that resonate with those seeking a gender-neutral wardrobe.
Oversized blazers draped over sleek turtlenecks in Christian Dior’s Spring/Summer Haute Couture runway exhibit, boyfriend jeans reimagined as power suits in Schiaparelli’s Fall/Winter show, and chunky sneakers strutting alongside tailored trousers in Balmain’s Autumn/Winter Men’s show—the runway and celebrity attendees have created a playground for women reclaiming the codes of menswear.
Paris Fashion Week 2024 has witnessed designers and celebrities embracing inclusivity and diversity, creating collections that transcend gender boundaries. Emerging talents and established names are weaving narratives that celebrate the fluidity of fashion. Interviews with designers and attendees reveal a collective desire to challenge stereotypes and provide individuals, regardless of gender, with a broader spectrum of fashion choices that reflect their unique identities.
When asked what’s in vogue in 2024, British actor Ed McVey said, “Men’s wear is fully in,” and he hit the mark, as this has been proven time and time again by the rising trend of Grandpa-core rocked by famous models like Gigi Hadid and Amelia Hamlin.
And this is not just happening in high fashion. From the streets of Paris to the bustling sidewalks of New York and London, women are rocking bold silhouettes and embracing traditionally “masculine” elements. We see oversized leather jackets draped over flowy dresses, graphic tees tucked into high-waisted jeans, and sneakers punctuating even the most feminine skirts.
Paris-based fashion brand ETUDES recently revealed in an interview, “The key change in fashion this year is that the collections have broadened and the genders are blending further. There are fewer barriers.”
When Kim Kardashian covered a publication’s Men of the Year edition, clad in various power suits, baggy trousers, and neckties, it was met with wild acclaim, as it again cemented the evident fact that beyond mere clothing, the surge of women embracing menswear is deeply rooted in cultural shifts.
As Harry Styles said, “If you get rid of the idea that there are separate clothes for men and women, it opens up a whole new realm of enjoyment.” This movement reflects a broader societal move towards breaking down traditional expectations and embracing individuality. Women wearing menswear is not just a fashion statement; it’s a cultural statement echoing the demand for fashion that resonates with personal values and challenges outdated standards.
We can expect the runways of Paris Fashion Week to feature shows that celebrate diversity and inclusivity. The upcoming Fendi, Maison Margiela, and Valentino shows will certainly present collections that resonate with those seeking gender-inclusive fashion.
When the London, New York, and Milan Fashion Weeks begin in subsequent weeks, the impact of women embracing menswear will extend far beyond the runway, influencing street style across cities. Street style photographers will capture the essence of this movement, showcasing women confidently sporting traditionally male-centric styles in their daily lives. From tailored suits to oversized shirts, the streets of every city will become a canvas for a new wave of gender-fluid fashion.
Paris Fashion Week 2024 has emerged as a vital moment in the fashion scene, where it has proven that women embracing menswear is not just a trend but a renaissance. Famous dancer Sara Geffrard said, “When I wear a suit, I feel like I can do things I would not otherwise do. I’m a very, very shy person, but if I’m in a suit, I feel very confident. I feel like I can talk to whoever. Otherwise, I would walk in and feel sort of small.“
This movement challenges preconceived notions of fashion, pushing the boundaries of what is considered traditionally feminine or masculine. Paris, with its history of shaping fashion narratives, has once again become a beacon for inclusivity and diversity in the ever-evolving world of style.
In 2024, we should all be eager to hit the menswear section. Experiment, push boundaries, and jump on the biggest trend in fashion right now. Because in the fashion revolution of 2024, the power reversal is here, and the future of fashion is looking fiercely gender-neutral.
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Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo
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