Are you a fashion enthusiast curious about how to attend runway shows during Paris Fashion Week? You’re certainly not alone. It’s an exhilarating moment when designers prepare to showcase their collections in the French capital in some of the most stunning venues in Paris such as the Carousel du Louvre.
During that time, influencers, bloggers, and celebrities dress to the nines to grace the most coveted shows in jaw-dropping outfits. Unsure of where to start? This blog post aims to guide you through the process of how to see a fashion show.
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Paris Fashion Week Calendar
More than 60 million visitors visited Paris in 2019. While most come to visit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, however, why not make your stay in the city of lights a memorable one by attending a fashion show. The runway shows are a fantastic opportunity to see latest collections live. Paris Fashion Week or in short PFW takes place four times a year. There are two editions of Women’s Fashion (Spring/Summer in September and Autumn/Winter in March). Furthermore, there are two editions of Men’s Fashion (Autumn/Winter in January and Spring/Summer in June).
Paris Haute Couture Week
Couture week is also a big event where big fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton… show their exclusive collections. The calendar for the Paris Haute Couture Week is different than the PFW calendar. Contrary to PFW, it takes place twice a year (Spring/Summer in January and Autumn/Winter in July). In addition, both events are coordinated under the care of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode who plans the calendar and schedules for the fashion houses.
Where to find the schedule to attend a fashion show during Paris Fashion Week
The schedule will give you an idea about the fashion houses that will be showing their collection. With that fashion show program, you can then plan your trip to Paris. The schedule is available a month before on the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.
How to see a fashion show during Paris Fashion Week
There are many ways that you can see a fashion show during Paris Fashion Week. One way to attend a runway show is with accreditation. Accreditation means that you are either:
- Working for a media (print, online, audiovisual, press agency)
- A freelance fashion journalist who can justify having several publications and who is related to a media (with a professional e-mail address)
- A buyer
With accreditation, you will be able to attend fashion shows from prestigious fashion houses:
- Christian Dior
- Louis Vuitton
- Rick Owens
- Giambattista Valli
- Victoria Beckham
How to see a runway show in Paris with no accreditation for free
That is the information that I would like to share with you. If you are a fashion, lifestyle, travel blogger or influencer once you know the Paris calendar:
- Contact the maisons/ houses that you would like to cover the show for your blog or media social platforms.
- Write a professional email to their PR team by introducing yourself, what you do and explain what you can do for them and do not forget to put a link to your blog, website or social media platforms.
Contact several houses at least a month before and do not forget to add a mailing/postal address as a lot of fashion houses prefer to send invitations by mail. Do not panick if you do not receive your invitation right away. Often times you will get one at the last minute. Do not expect to get a seat as most invitation will say “STANDING”, however, you might get one if a guest is absent.
How to see a paying fashion show
Some designers have found a way to jump on the excitement and the demand of the public to attend fashion shows by selling tickets. If you are open to that idea, this is a great way to meet people, see beautiful clothes, models, meet the designers and attend the after party.
With that said, here’s the list of the brands that you can contact to purchase your ticket:
- Bella Fashion Designs
- Paris Fashion Air
- Foire d’Afrique Fashion Week Africa
- Galeries Lafayette from the prestigious department store Galeries Lafayette
What to do in Paris during Paris Fashion Week
If attending a fashion show is exciting, there are industry events where you can also meet people, see celebrities and influencers. Le Grand Diner comes to mind as they host the Paris Fashion Week Awards. You can get your ticket to attend this prestigious award directly on their website here.
Wondering what to do in Paris at night? you might find this blog post helpful, “What to do in Paris at night“.
Where to see celebrities attending the runway shows
If attending a show is too much for you but would still like to see a few celebrities, try these locations around:
- Le Grand Palais
- The Tuileries Garden
- The Palais de Tokyo
- Place de la Concorde
Where to eat during Paris fashion Week if you want to see celebrities
The fashion capital of the world is a great opportunity to discover a Paris with more style, see celebrities at some of the most prestigious restaurants in the city. If you prefer to skip the shows for a more friendly and less itimidating atmosphere, give these eateries a try to make your Paris Fashion Week experience one to remember :
Where to stay in Paris to see celebrities
if you do not care for Paris Fashion Week and still want to see celebrities, these hotels are well-known in the city of lights for their famous guests:
- The Hôtel de Crillon
- Lutetia
- The Peninsula Paris
- Plaza Athénée
Where to shop during Paris fashion Week
Many of the clothes that you will see on the runway will be immediately available in luxury boutiques and department stores. You might as well try to get your hand on some of the pieces at these prestigious shoppping destinations:
- Galeries Lafayette
- La Samaritaine
- Le Bon Marché
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating the intricate world of attending a fashion show during Paris Fashion Week can seem daunting, but armed with the right knowledge and guidance, it becomes an achievable and enriching experience. From securing invitations to understanding the schedules and venues, each step contributes to the excitement and anticipation of witnessing haute couture and innovative designs firsthand. By following the tips and insights shared in this post on “How To See a Fashion Show During Paris Fashion Week,” you’re well-equipped to immerse yourself in the glamour and creativity of this exciting event, leaving you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the artistry of fashion.
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