Paris designers use spectacle and craftsmanship to confront luxury’s slowdown

Paris Fashion Week paired extravagant staging with wearable craft as brands faced weaker demand and questions about luxury’s value.

AsiaOne reports that Paris Fashion Week delivered major celebrity attendance and elaborate presentations even as the luxury sector contended with weaker demand. Saint Laurent placed gold at the centre of its show, while Jennifer Lopez attended Stella McCartney and Rihanna appeared at Matières Fecales. The week’s collections also explored exposed styling, dramatic silhouettes and couture techniques applied to everyday garments.

The commercial backdrop was more difficult. L’Oréal had overtaken LVMH as France’s most valuable listed company, while Kering had returned to growth but continued to face pressure at Balenciaga and declining sales at Gucci. Bain & Company estimated that about 60 million luxury customers had left the market since 2022, with prices rising roughly 20 per cent over two years. Designers responded by emphasising construction, leather, embellishment and technical skill in clothing intended for regular wear. The strategy seeks to make premium prices feel justified without relying on discounts.

Reported by asiaone.com · Read the original coverage