Butterflies and bedbugs on the Parisian runway
Updated: Nov 11, 2023
By Amie Ahn and Jaein Park Nov. 9, 2023
The lights go out. Just as the crowd starts to think the show is over, the stage begins to glow. Tutu-like dresses gleaming with fairy lights waltz across the runway. Inside lie genuine flowers and delicate and fluttering live butterflies.
This terrarium dress, pioneered by the Japanese fashion brand Undercover, was only one of many unique clothing pieces featured at this fall’s Paris Fashion Week from Sept. 25 to Oct. 3. Originating in Paris in the 19th century, fashion weeks are meant for “haute couture”—high-end designer brands—to display their latest collections to buyers and media on the runway. The big four fashion weeks are held in the fashion capitals of the world: New York City, London, Milan and Paris. Fashion industry professionals and celebrities typically attend these events fashion weeks, inspiring new designs and trends.
Paris Fashion Week is organized by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the governing body for the French fashion industry. In addition to the butterfly dress by Undercover, this year’s fashion week boasted several unique collections. Loewe unveiled dresses with massive pins, Givenchy layered sheer socks over heels and Miu Miu showcased an undie-full runway, —substituting underwear for pants.
“Fashion weeks are important for the industry because without them, much of the profit and newest ideas would be lost. They draw in a lot of investment and spotlight new trends, helping keep the industry running,” Sophomore Ryan Etter said.
Street style also plays a significant role in fashion weeks. At this year’s Paris Fashion Week, Louis Vuitton’s unique collection blended a retro-inspired style with checkered prints and striped leather details. Another common runway trend inspired by street style was upcycled double denim.
“My favorite piece is the one where the models were covered in red crystals—I once saw Doja Cat wearing a similar outfit. I also loved was the textured bodysuit covered in puffs that Sita Abellan wore; it was truly original and creative,” Freshman Miku Kiyonaga said.
Unexpected guests also attended this fall’s Paris Fashion Week—Bed bugs, which were already spreading throughout Paris at the time, spread to the runway through the clothing pieces. Additionally, activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) crashed the Hermès show, protesting the company’s use of animal skins in fashion.
An opportunity for designers from around the world to share their unique styles, fashion weeks foster creativity and collaboration within the fashion industry. As the shimmering dresses and fairy lights fade into the darkness, Paris Fashion Week once again radiated light onto fashion’s latest styles.
About the contributors
Amie Ahn
staff writer
Amie Ahn is a freshman at Leland High School and is a writer for The Charger Account. During her free time, she enjoys eating, sleeping, and spending time with her friends.
Jaein Park
staff writer
Jaein Park is a freshman at Leland High School and is a writer for The Charger Account. During her free time, she enjoys listening to music, and playing chess.
Lyn Kang
artist
Hyunsuh Kang is a junior at Leland High School and is the artist . During her free time, she enjoys watching movies, sleeping and listening to music such as pop
