Preparing for the Olympic Games poses a series of challenges in Paris. Road closures, complicated logistics, increase in real estate and hotel prices, as well as a certain apprehension among Parisians. But this time, it is Paris Fashion Week which seems to be affected by this major sporting event.
The Paris Olympic Games promises to be a colossal event. It will attract almost 15 million visitorsIncluding 2 million foreign tourists. With the participation of 10 athletes derived from 203 different countries and engaged in 32 subjects, as well as no less than 329 sporting events, the scale of these Games remains impressive! However, this scale raises concerns, particularly among local residents. They fear the consequences of this event. Indeed, some are already qualifying the Games as an event “nightmarish”.
For the fashion industry, this situation presents particular challenges. The next seasons of Men's Fashion Week and Haute Couture are scheduled for June 18 to 27, coinciding with preparations for the Olympic Games which will begin on July 25, 2024. The Haute Couture season has also been brought forward by one week, now taking place from June 24 to 27, 2024.
This modification ensures sufficient time and space before the start of the Paris Olympic Games. However, brand planning remains tricky. Information on the impact of Paris Fashion Week on the Olympic Games is still being clarified, making the complex situation for those in the fashion industry.
A major challenge
It seems that Paris Fashion Week is facing a series of major logistical challenges in anticipation of the Olympic Games. Among these challenges are security checks reinforced as well as road closures around the Olympic venues. But what makes planning Fashion Week even more complicated… Is coordinating parade dates and locations.
Indeed, many major fashion shows in Paris take place in emblematic places in the capital. For example, the Grand Palais, often used by Chanel for its parades, will be the site of the tests fencing as well as taekwondo. Likewise, the Place du Trocadero, frequently chosen for parades Saint Laurent. This place will host the tests of cycling on the road as well as athletics.
For more than a year, the Federation of Haute Couture and Fashion, organizer of Paris Fashion Week, works in close collaboration with the authorities. Including the police headquarters, the city of Paris, the Olympic Committee and the French Ministry of Culture.
Together they made a list of 260 frequently used places for fashion week and study the impact of the Olympic Games on these sites. In addition, the group has strengthened its partnership with the Palais de Tokyo. This allows more emerging brands to take advantage of this space.
Thus, the Federation attempts to reassure participants by affirming that, with sufficient planning, fashion week challenges can be met. “Security, deliveries, casting, production… All this will depend on dialogue with brands and authorities”, declares the president of the FHCM, Pascal Morand.
By Clémence BODEAU
