Exclusive: CEO Pritan Ambroase’s Love Letter to Paris Fashion Week | PFW Remains Fashion’s Ultimate Global Stage Shaping Culture, Business, and Global Values
Pritan Ambroase is the CEO and editor-in-chief of Hollywood Insider. He authored the new mission statement which reads: “Hollywood Insider focuses on substance and meaningful entertainment, so as to utilize media as a tool to unite and better our world, by combining entertainment, education and philanthropy, while being against gossip and scandal.” It is with that particular intention and under his leadership that Hollywood Insider has transformed into a trusted media platform across multiple channels. Ambroase is also a producer, film director, motivational speaker and a talk show host with a new one in development.
Alongside his career in entertainment and media, Ambroase continues to be a passionate humanitarian and a constant human rights activist/advocate. He started the Humans Of Our World Foundation at the age of 19, and named it that specific name as he wanted humans all over the world to unite regardless of mental/political/physical borders. For the past 14 years, he has actively stood up against injustices and atrocities across the world. He believes in the power of empathy and uses that tool to be there for others across all borders. Some of the many causes he has stood up for – easy accessibility to education, anti-sexual harassment, disaster relief, healthcare, justice for black, brown and minority ethnic communities, marriage equality, refugee assistance, rebuilding villages, education reform, women’s rights, rebrand Africa, police reform, prison reform, anti-segregation in governmental infrastructure, classification of animals as sentient beings, pro-LGBTQ families, anti-trafficking, anti-drug abuse, equity, differently-abled assistance, etc. The foundation’s celebrity supporters are Dame Judi Dench, Joanna Lumley OBE, Bear Grylls, Amanda Holden, Andy Serkis and many others.
For more on his biography, please click here. It is his passion for cinema, entertainment and media that drives him to utilize his platform and media to unite all and make our world a better place, all the while entertaining, transforming and educating. It is his long and varied experience in entertainment, education and philanthropy which led him to combine those three elements and include them in Hollywood Insider’s mission statement.
To read more about his intention, vision and goals for the media network, please visit the Our Values page by clicking on the link.
Mar 10, 2025
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The crazier and more unstable global politics and political leaders become, the greater the responsibility of art and its many incarnations, be it cinema, fashion, art, music, dance, etc. In 2025, as we stand on the apex of chaos in politics, art is more important now than ever before. As the Editor-in-Chief of The Hollywood Insider, whose mission statement focuses on substance and meaningful entertainment, and a lifelong devotee of fashion, I feel this responsibility acutely every time I attend Paris Fashion Week. In the grand halls and historic ateliers of Paris, I witness firsthand how fashion – one of the most potent forms of art – responds to and reflects our turbulent world. Paris Fashion Week is not merely a parade of luxury runway shows; it is a cultural barometer and a bellwether for the global fashion industry.
I have seen how the artistry on display at Paris Fashion Week carries weight far beyond the clothes themselves. Each collection unveiled is a statement, sometimes subtle and sometimes bold, about the times we live in. In an era of instability, Paris Fashion Week 2025 stands as a testament to how the fashion world can channel creativity into hope, resilience, and innovation. I speak in the first person because fashion, to me, is deeply personal; it is the story of humanity written in fabric, color, and silhouette.
Historical & Cultural Significance of Paris Fashion Week
Paris has long been the beating heart of fashion. The aura of Paris Fashion Week — its prestige and creative authority — has been cultivated over decades, even centuries. Well before the modern notion of a “fashion week,” Paris set the stage with its haute couture tradition. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, couturiers like Charles Worth and Paul Poiret held exclusive fashion presentations in Paris, establishing the city as the global capital of style. By the mid-20th century, Paris’s influence was indisputable: after World War II, Christian Dior’s 1947 “New Look” collection, with its cinched waists and full skirts, revitalized a world yearning for elegance. Fashion in Paris became a source of cultural renewal and optimism during hard times, a pattern that continues to this day.
The first official Paris Fashion Week as we know it took place in 1973, marked by the formation of the French Fashion Federation and the legendary Battle of Versailles. That event — a face-off between French haute couture designers and American designers staged as a charity show — symbolized a turning point. It broke old hierarchies and proved that Paris could honor tradition while embracing change. In the following decades, Paris Fashion Week solidified its status as the pinnacle of the “Big Four” (ahead of New York, London, and Milan) by consistently marrying heritage with innovation.
Culturally, Paris Fashion Week has been the launchpad for movements that shaped how the world dresses. In the 1960s, Yves Saint Laurent introduced ready-to-wear on the Paris stage and gave women the iconic Le Smoking tuxedo, reflecting the era’s shifting gender norms. The 1980s and 90s brought an era of supermodels and superstar designers, turning runway shows into pop culture events. As chronicled in the docuseries In Vogue: The 90s, the era of the 90s solidified the cultural cachet of fashion weeks. This was a time when editors like Anna Wintour and designers like Karl Lagerfeld and John Galliano made Paris shows must-see spectacles that merged fashion with the celebrity and art of the moment. By the end of the 20th century, Paris Fashion Week had transcended industry confines to become a marquee cultural event. Trends might be born on the streets or in studios around the world, but when they debut on a Paris runway, they enter the global style canon. Each season in Paris pays homage to this rich legacy while writing a new chapter in fashion’s cultural story.
Runway Show Analysis: Iconic Collections of Recent Seasons
Every runway at Paris Fashion Week is a universe unto itself. In recent seasons, the major fashion houses have used their shows to deliver powerful messages alongside beautiful clothes, creating moments that industry insiders and observers alike will talk about for years.
Consider Chanel. Under Virginie Viard’s direction (following Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy), Chanel has balanced homage and innovation. In one haute couture show, Chanel transformed the Grand Palais into a serene garden, as models in classic tweeds and feather-light gowns evoked a return to elegance and nature. The message in uncertain times was clear: Chanel offers a timeless calm amid chaos. As I observed in my statement on the person-designer-revolutionary Coco Chanel for The Hollywood Insider tribute on the film ‘Coco Before Chanel’ by Anne Fontaine cementing Coco Chanel’s legacy, she “built this fashion empire by destroying fashion” – breaking the rules of her era – by dismantling the old norms and introducing a new minimalist chic. Today’s Chanel collections echo that spirit of quiet rebellion by favoring refined simplicity over trend-driven flash.
The Hollywood Insider’s CEO and Editor-in-Chief Pritan Ambroase commented on the power of Coco Chanel, Anne Fontaine’s biopic and Audrey Tatou’s portrayal of her, “Coco Chanel built this fashion empire by destroying fashion. She refused to obey rules, thus dismantling patriarchy and demanding that she be known by her words – in her case – her style. And she did all of this with her trademark silent grace. Anne Fontaine did a great job of capturing Coco’s silent yet powerful grace, she spoke definitively through her style, her fashion and her clothes. Audrey Tatou is the ONLY person that could have ever played Coco. I cannot imagine anyone else being able to play that dignity and charm either with words or unspoken conversations. In the same way, that only Marion Cotillard could have played Edith Piaf in ‘La Vie En Rose’. ‘Coco Before Chanel’ is an almost quiet film and in that Fontaine so brilliantly captures the essence of Coco and her fashion house Chanel. In a time when invention was huge, fashion was huge, hair was huge, world domination was huge – Coco fought against the HUGE – she rejected the huge costumes, the huge hair and the huge displays – she wanted silence, quiet, small, tiny, little – almost blank. Blank yet powerful. Blank yet stylish. Blank yet fashion. And that is the essence of both Coco and Chanel, a lot with little. And that is the essence of Tatou, Fontaine and ‘Coco Before Chanel’ – a lot with little.”
At Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière’s womenswear and the house’s recent menswear have both made waves. Ghesquière often blends futurism with historical nods – for instance, a recent Vuitton show at the Louvre fused high-tech fabrics with 18th-century-inspired silhouettes, making the past and future stride together. Meanwhile, the debut of Pharrell Williams as Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director in 2024 infused the Paris runway with a fresh dose of pop culture and streetwear sensibility. His show celebrated the fusion of luxury with global urban culture, proving that Paris Fashion Week can embrace new creative voices and aesthetics within storied brands.
Dior, led by Maria Grazia Chiuri, has used the runway to champion women and art. One striking example was a Dior collection that opened with a model wearing a white tee declaring “We Should All Be Feminists,” boldly bringing feminist discourse to the Paris runway. Chiuri’s designs often pay tribute to strong women in Dior’s history (like Catherine Dior, Christian Dior’s sister and a World War II resistance hero) through tailored Bar jackets and flowing dresses that combine beauty with meaning. Her shows remind us that even in the temple of couture, fashion can carry social messages — in Dior’s case, marrying its heritage of femininity with modern calls for equality.
Saint Laurent, under Anthony Vaccarello, continues to define Parisian glamour with an edge. Vaccarello’s evening shows against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower have become a signature. In a recent season, he sent models down a glistening nighttime runway in sharply tailored tuxedo jackets, dramatic shoulders, and fluid metallic gowns. The effect was empowering: a nod to Yves Saint Laurent’s revolutionary Le Smoking suit and a statement that strength and sensuality can go hand in hand. Watching the spectacle, with icons like Anna Wintour perched in the front row in her signature sunglasses, one felt the enduring message: in times of uncertainty, dress boldly and confidently.
Balenciaga, helmed by Demna, has been known for pushing boundaries on the Paris stage. Before a recent controversy briefly sidetracked the house, Balenciaga’s shows were the hot ticket for their conceptual bravado. Demna turned runways into immersive theater — one season flooding the stage with water, another blanketing it in artificial snow — to send visceral messages about the state of the world. Models trudging through a “storm” in oversized coats or wading through water in futuristic streetwear made the audience reckon with themes of climate anxiety and resilience. It was performance art meets fashion. Balenciaga’s provocative approach has reminded everyone that a runway can be a platform for social commentary, not just style.
In contrast, Hermès has offered a masterclass in the power of restraint. Under Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski, Hermès’s recent runway shows have been all about “quiet luxury.” Rather than flashy antics, the focus is on impeccable materials and craftsmanship — butter-soft leathers, rich silks, and flawless tailoring in a warm, earthy palette. A recent Hermès collection featured modern riders and aviators: models in sleek leather coats, equestrian boots, and the house’s famed scarves reinterpreted as chic tops. The vibe was timeless and confident. In a world of fast trends, Hermès uses its Paris shows to champion longevity and quality, proving that sometimes whispering elegance makes a louder statement than shouting trends.
Together, these iconic collections from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Hermès demonstrate the breadth of creativity at Paris Fashion Week. Each maison stays true to its DNA — Chanel’s chic, Dior’s femininity, Saint Laurent’s edge, Vuitton’s innovation, Balenciaga’s rebellion, Hermès’s craftsmanship — yet each speaks to the present moment in its own way. These shows are more than clothing exhibitions; they are storytelling at its finest. Months or years from now, we’ll recall them as defining chapters: “that Chanel show that felt like a peaceful garden,” or “the Balenciaga show that depicted a world underwater.” They set the bar for runway artistry, continuously inspiring the fashion world and delighting even seasoned insiders like myself with the realization that fashion in Paris can always find new ways to enchant and provoke.
Increasingly, top French fashion brands are selecting fabric companies that prioritize sustainability, ethical provenance, and transparency in their supply chains. One standout in this realm is 18 Store, led by the founders Pamela Vettori and Enrico Chiaramoni, whose dedication to responsible textile production has made them a go-to fabric supplier for France’s most prestigious fashion houses. Pamela’s visionary leadership has positioned the company at the intersection of fashion and technology, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge textile innovations. Their Instagram (@18storesrl) showcases an impressive portfolio, highlighting collaborations with iconic French maisons such as Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Hermès, and Balenciaga. Pamela and 18store skillfully blend traditional craftsmanship with modern textile innovations, as seen through collaborations with Dior, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Chanel, Saint Laurent, Hermès, and Balenciaga. At recent editions of Paris Fashion Week, fabrics by 18store have graced runway moments that communicate powerful narratives of beauty, resilience, and creativity. The firm’s emphasis on sustainability aligns perfectly with Paris Fashion Week’s evolving eco-conscious ethos, reinforcing the industry-wide commitment to environmental responsibility. Their impressive portfolio, showcased on their Instagram (@18storesrl), highlights impactful collaborations, underscoring how Pamela and her team fuse artisanal skill with ecological consciousness. Pamela’s collaborations with French maisons have not only enriched their collections but also helped brands authentically reflect social responsibility through their designs. Every fabric produced by 18store and featured on the Parisian runways contributes to the broader dialogue of fashion as an agent of meaningful cultural and environmental change.
Beyond the artistry and glamour, Paris Fashion Week is an economic juggernaut. It’s easy to get lost in the spectacle of haute couture gowns and celebrity-filled front rows, but make no mistake – this week (in fact, the series of weeks including menswear and haute couture) is a cornerstone of the global fashion economy. The grandeur of the shows translates into serious business, and as someone who has talked with both designers and executives, I understand that the stakes are incredibly high.
Consider first the immediate economic impact on the city of Paris. In each fashion week season, thousands of visitors – buyers, journalists, stylists, photographers, and affluent clients – descend upon Paris. They fill luxury hotels, dine at fine restaurants, and patronize boutiques. The influx of fashion week tourism has been estimated to generate hundreds of millions of euros for the Parisian local economy annually. Every year, the hotels around the Champs-Élysées and Place Vendôme are booked solid; the nightlife economy booms with after-parties; even the humble local coffee shops see a spike as fashionistas seek their caffeine fix in between shows. According to studies by the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM), the collective Paris fashion weeks (women’s, men’s, haute couture combined) bring in around 10 billion euros in revenue to France each year when accounting for direct sales, orders placed, and indirect economic activity. This is a staggering figure that underscores how crucial fashion is to France’s GDP – French luxury fashion alone accounts for roughly 2.5% of the country’s GDP. When Bernard Arnault, as CEO of LVMH, invests in spectacular Louis Vuitton or Dior shows, it’s not just for show – it’s because these moments drive brand desire, which in turn drives sales from handbags to fragrances worldwide.
Moreover, Paris Fashion Week serves as a global marketing engine for brands. The media exposure is immense. In the age of Instagram and TikTok, a single striking runway look can go viral within minutes, reaching millions of consumers far beyond the elite attendees. A report in 2023 noted that Paris Fashion Week’s media impact value jumped by 30% from the previous year, reaching nearly $500 million in media exposure. When a maison like Dior or Louis Vuitton trends online because of a show, the brand is in effect reaping a massive advertising campaign that would have cost multiples of the expense of the show itself. The fashion houses know this well – which is why we see ever more elaborate set designs and performances (such as Dior’s recent partnership with dance companies for live choreography on the runway, or Balmain inviting classical orchestras to perform during shows). The return on investment includes not just immediate sales of that season’s collection to retailers, but also long-term elevation of brand prestige.
The economic power of Paris Fashion Week is also evident in how it consolidates Paris’s role as a hub for luxury retail and commerce. During the week, brands host private showroom appointments where buyers from top boutiques and department stores place orders that can make or break emerging designers and significantly impact the season’s retail landscape. A positive reception at Paris Fashion Week can catapult a smaller brand into a new revenue bracket by opening doors to stores across Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Conversely, an established brand that fails to impress might see a dip in its wholesale orders. In essence, these runway shows are high-stakes product launches on a global stage.
Then there’s the employment factor: the production of Paris Fashion Week employs an army of professionals – from set builders, sound and lighting technicians, and security personnel to casting directors, hair and makeup artists, and of course, the models. Entire businesses in France specialize in event production for fashion shows (companies that handle staging, PR, and logistics), and fashion week is their Super Bowl. The ripple effect of spending – on venues (whether it’s the Louvre or the Tuileries gardens), on tech, on crews – is a significant contributor to the creative economy. The fashion industry in France, bolstered by these marquee events, sustains hundreds of thousands of jobs, from the seamstresses in couture ateliers to the sales associates on Avenue Montaigne.
One cannot discuss fashion’s economic might without mentioning the luxury conglomerates that anchor Paris Fashion Week. LVMH (with brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine, Givenchy) and Kering (which owns Saint Laurent, Balenciaga) use Paris as the prime platform to showcase their flagship brands. The performance of their collections at fashion week can directly influence stock prices – a smash hit collection can lead to a spike in a brand’s sales forecasts, buoying investor confidence. It’s telling that Bernard Arnault, a fixture on the list of the world’s richest individuals, owes his fortune to these fashion and luxury labels. Under his stewardship, LVMH has demonstrated how a luxury group can be an economic powerhouse rivaling the biggest tech firms in market capitalization. In a sense, Paris Fashion Week is where art meets commerce most explicitly: the awe of a runway moment eventually translates to quarterly earnings.
Yet, for all the talk of billions, one of the most fascinating aspects of Paris Fashion Week’s economic impact is how it underscores the intangible value of brand heritage and image. Consumers do not spend $10,000 on a Chanel jacket merely because it’s a piece of clothing – they buy a slice of fashion history, a piece of Paris, and an embodiment of all the artistry and glamour that Paris Fashion Week represents. The shows fortify that image in the public consciousness. Every photograph of a stunning gown at a Paris show, every celebrity spotted wearing the latest Parisian design, adds to a narrative that drives the desire which fuels the luxury market. In that sense, the economic power of Paris Fashion Week also lies in the cultural capital it generates – something not easily measured on a balance sheet, but deeply felt across the world.
Sustainability & Ethical Fashion
In recent years, a new kind of conversation has taken center stage at Paris Fashion Week – one about sustainability and ethics in fashion. The industry, historically associated with excess and indulgence, is now grappling with its environmental and social footprint. As an ardent supporter of responsible fashion, I have been heartened to see Paris designers and houses increasingly use their clout to push for a greener, more ethical future.
The urgency is clear. The fashion industry is a notorious polluter – accounting for an estimated 10% of global carbon emissions and significant water usage – and the very spectacle of flying hundreds of people around the world for fashion shows has come under scrutiny. Paris Fashion Week, being the pinnacle, faces particular pressure to lead by example. And indeed, we are beginning to see change. For one, many fashion houses have started to adopt more sustainable practices in their show production. Brands are hiring sustainable event production firms to reduce waste in runway set designs. This means using recycled or rented materials for sets, cutting down on single-use plastics backstage, and offsetting carbon emissions for travel and logistics. It’s a sign that even the most glamorous event in fashion is not immune to the call for environmental responsibility.
More profoundly, the collections themselves in Paris have begun to reflect an eco-conscious ethos. Stella McCartney, long a pioneer of sustainable luxury, has been a torchbearer at Paris Fashion Week, proving that high fashion can eschew leather and fur and still stun audiences. Her recent collections have featured innovative textiles like mushroom-based “leather” and regenerated cashmere, drawing praise from both critics and eco-activists. At a Stella McCartney show I attended, each seat had a little booklet transparently outlining the environmental impact of the collection – from materials to supply chain – exemplifying how a runway in Paris can double as an educational platform.
Emerging designers in Paris are also championing sustainability. Take Marine Serre, whose upcycled creations (from patchwork dresses made of recycled scarves to jackets crafted from old denim and towels) have made waves. Her runway presentations often highlight themes of overconsumption and waste, sometimes even incorporating recycled set pieces. Another example is the brand Botter, which in one Paris show sent models carrying plastic bags filled with water (and live goldfish) as a commentary on ocean pollution and the need to protect marine life. These dramatic visuals force the audience – including powerful industry figures – to reckon with fashion’s environmental narratives. It’s heartening to see that the creative energy of Paris Fashion Week, which once might have solely gone into extravagant artistry, is now also channelled into statements about protecting the planet.
Major luxury houses are not absent in this sustainability movement either. Louis Vuitton and Dior have each announced sustainability charters aligned with their parent LVMH’s initiatives to improve sourcing and reduce environmental impact. During Paris Fashion Week, this has translated into touches like Dior’s decision to feature real trees and plants in its Spring 2020 show decor, which were later replanted around Paris – a poetic blend of fashion and reforestation efforts. Similarly, Chanel has invested in sustainable material startups and announced it would stop using exotic furs and skins, reflecting a shift in old luxury paradigms. The presence of Hermès at Paris Fashion Week is itself an interesting study in sustainability: Hermès products are often cited as the opposite of fast fashion – they are cherished for decades and even resold as vintage treasures. Hermès has dabbled in material innovation too, working on a mycelium-based leather alternative for its bags, showing that even heritage brands known for traditional craft are looking to the future of materials.
On the ethics side, Paris Fashion Week has been a platform for progress in labor and inclusion. The conversation about ethical fashion goes beyond environment to how people are treated in the industry. Paris’s runways have gradually become more diverse in model casting – though there is still much work to be done – featuring more models of color, different body types, and gender-nonconforming models, signaling an ethical push towards inclusivity. Likewise, the industry has been pressured to ensure fair labor practices in the making of those gorgeous clothes. High-profile brands have been called out regarding the conditions in ateliers or the sourcing of their materials (like cotton or wool). In response, several brands now highlight their artisans and craftspeople during Paris shows or in accompanying press, giving credit to the human hands behind the work. Some brands also use Paris Fashion Week to champion craftsmanship preservation – by partnering with indigenous artisans or spotlighting traditional techniques in danger of dying out. This cultural sustainability – preserving human heritage – is as important as the ecological aspect.
Still, the question remains: Is it enough? Critics point out that for all the sustainability talk, the fashion industry’s pace of production hasn’t slowed. Collections have multiplied (haute couture, ready-to-wear, resort, pre-fall, etc.), and some fear “sustainability” could become just another marketing buzzword. As an insider, I acknowledge this tension. True sustainability might require rethinking the entire fashion calendar and the notion of endless newness that Paris Fashion Week thrives on. There’s ongoing discussion in fashion circles about scaling back – perhaps fewer shows, or combining menswear and womenswear shows – to reduce wasteful cycles. We are not there yet, but I sense a growing willingness in Paris to adapt for the greater good.
What gives me hope is the candidness I’ve observed. In panels and cocktail discussions around Paris Fashion Week, designers and executives are openly talking about these challenges rather than brushing them under the rug. There’s an understanding that the prestige of Paris Fashion Week doesn’t immunize it from responsibility. In fact, it heightens that responsibility. Paris sets the tone; if sustainability becomes deeply embedded here, it will trickle throughout the industry. From my vantage, the “sustainability movement” at Paris Fashion Week is not a mere trend – it’s a fundamental realignment of fashion’s values, ensuring this art form can continue to thrive without costing the planet.
Digital & Technological Transformation of Fashion
Fashion may be rooted in tactile beauty and heritage, but it is also an industry that has never shied away from innovation. Over the past decade – and accelerated by the global pandemic – Paris Fashion Week has been undergoing a digital metamorphosis. This transformation is reshaping not only how collections are presented, but also how we experience and consume fashion.
One of the most visible changes was the advent of virtual runway shows, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 when physical gatherings were curtailed. Paris Fashion Week went partially or fully digital for several seasons, with brands streaming shows online or creating short film presentations. What could have been a disaster for an event so reliant on in-person drama turned into an exploration of new creative mediums. For example, Balmain produced a virtual reality experience; viewers with VR headsets could feel as if they were sitting by the Seine watching models walk on water. Maison Margiela, ever the experimental house, released an artful film directed by Nick Knight in lieu of a live show, which delved into the making of the collection as much as the final pieces. These digital pivots revealed a fascinating insight: that the allure of Paris Fashion Week can transcend physical space. Millions tuned in from around the globe, democratizing access to an event once reserved for the privileged few with invitations. As an editor, I missed the electricity of the live runway, but I was excited by how many more voices and eyes could now join the conversation in real time on social media.
The incorporation of technology has gone beyond just streaming. Designers are flirting with the idea of fashion in the metaverse. While the core Paris Fashion Week shows remain physical, several brands have experimented with parallel digital offerings. Balenciaga, ever avant-garde, collaborated with Epic Games to present a virtual video game for its Fall 2021 collection, where players could wander through a futuristic landscape wearing Balenciaga outfits. Though that was technically outside the official fashion week calendar, it signaled what’s to come. In 2022, a “Metaverse Fashion Week” was even launched on platforms like Decentraland (though not Paris-specific, big luxury brands with Paris presence, like Dolce & Gabbana and Etro, participated virtually). The implications are thrilling: we could see a future where Paris Fashion Week has a twin event in the digital realm, where attendees from across the world, as avatars, sit front row without ever leaving home.
Another tech frontier at play is augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality in shows. Brands in Paris have started to incorporate holographic effects or AR experiences for attendees. I recall a Dior launch event where pointing your phone at the invitation via a special app would display an AR animation of a Dior couture piece blooming like a flower. Imagine such technology integrated into live shows: you could be watching a model physically walking in a minimalist outfit, and through AR glasses see an overlay of digital art on the garment, adding layers of storytelling. Some designers have hinted that future collections might come with digital assets – for instance, buy a physical dress and receive an NFT that outfits your avatar in the metaverse. At Paris Fashion Week, where luxury brands set trends, the adoption of these tech elements signifies a broader acceptance of the once-dismissed idea that fashion and tech are complementary.
The role of social media as a technological force cannot be overstated. Back in the 1990s, one had to wait for magazines or TV broadcasts to catch a glimpse of Paris runway looks. Today, the second a model hits the runway, dozens of iPhones from the audience have already sent that image worldwide. Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have turned fashion shows into instantaneous global content. This has changed the pace of trend dissemination – by the time a show finishes, its key looks and moments (say, a famous model opening the show or a particularly spectacular gown) are already memes, GIFs, or viral videos. Paris Fashion Week’s prestige benefits here: people may not follow every fashion week, but the hashtag #ParisFashionWeek reliably trends, amplifying the reach of these luxury houses. However, this immediacy has also forced brands to adapt; they now often have capsule collections or products ready to shop immediately after the show (a strategy dubbed “see-now, buy-now”), recognizing that digital audiences don’t want to wait six months to own what they’ve just seen online.
Another digital transformation is in how the industry uses data and artificial intelligence. While AI-designed dresses are still a novelty experiment, AI is already employed in more behind-the-scenes ways – predicting trends by analyzing social media, managing inventory to reduce overproduction (which ties to sustainability), and personalizing marketing. We might soon see an AI co-pilot for designers, suggesting creative iterations based on brand archives or consumer preferences. I wouldn’t be surprised if in a future Paris show, a designer mentions that a certain print or accessory was developed with the assistance of AI analyzing millions of images for inspiration. The intersection of human creativity with machine intelligence could open new aesthetic frontiers.
Paris Fashion Week’s digital turn has also influenced who gets to be the critic and commentator. Beyond the usual fashion journalists, we now have influencers and even virtual influencers (like Lil Miquela, a CGI influencer) participating in the discourse. Some have even “sat” virtually in shows or been dressed by designers in digital form. As an Editor-in-Chief, I admit there was initial skepticism in the industry towards these new digital voices. But I have come to appreciate that technology has diversified the conversation. A blogger live-tweeting from India or a YouTube critic dissecting collections look-by-look adds layers of perspective that enrich how we understand the impact of Paris Fashion Week globally.
In conclusion, the technological transformation of fashion as seen through Paris Fashion Week is a story of expansion – expanding how we present fashion, who gets to experience it, and what constitutes a fashion experience. It doesn’t supplant the traditional magic of a live Paris runway – the sound of heels on parquet floors, the collective gasp at a stunning dress – but it amplifies and extends that magic into new domains. As we stand on the cusp of even more advanced tech like AI and immersive VR, Paris Fashion Week’s embrace of innovation signals that even as we cherish the past, fashion is a forward-looking art, ever evolving with the tools and ideas of its time.
Cultural Influence & Social Movements Reflected on the Runway
Every season, beyond the fabrics and the silhouettes, Paris Fashion Week tells a story about where society is and where it might be heading. Fashion, after all, has always been intertwined with the social and political currents of its era. In my years of covering Paris shows, I have continually been impressed by how designers use their platforms to comment on and influence culture. It’s a two-way street: social movements shape fashion, and fashion can, in turn, propel social movements by giving them visual form.
One of the clearest examples is the push for women’s empowerment and how it has been mirrored on the Paris runways. When Maria Grazia Chiuri made history as Dior’s first female creative director, she almost immediately brought feminist discourse to the Dior runway (as mentioned earlier, with her famous “We Should All Be Feminists” T-shirt, a nod to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s essay). That was a bold cultural statement at a traditionally male-led house, aligning Dior with the contemporary feminist movement. Similarly, other brands have followed suit: Chanel, under Karl Lagerfeld, once staged a mock protest for women’s rights as the finale of a show, complete with models-cum-“protesters” like Cara Delevingne wielding signs reading slogans like “History is Her Story.” Though it had a touch of Chanel’s ironic playfulness, it still indicated that the conversation happening in the streets about gender equality had penetrated the highest echelons of fashion.
The movement for racial diversity and inclusion has also seen a reflection in Paris Fashion Week. There was a time when runways were almost homogeneously white. I’ve observed a significant change – especially in the 2010s onward – with casting becoming more diverse. Pioneers like Olivier Rousteing at Balmain (one of the few Black creative directors of a major Paris house) made it a point to celebrate diversity both in his ad campaigns and on the runway, featuring a spectrum of skin tones and also championing models of Asian and Middle Eastern descent, reflecting global beauty. The tragic passing of George Floyd in 2020 and the subsequent global rise of the Black Lives Matter movement reverberated even in fashion; that year, several Paris designers dedicated their collections to themes of unity and inclusion. For example, Louis Vuitton’s menswear under Virgil Abloh (the first Black artistic director at Vuitton) frequently incorporated messages about the Black experience and diaspora – one collection even featured poetic statements about racism printed on garments. Through these creative choices, Paris Fashion Week has become a platform where the industry at large confronts issues of representation. While progress is ongoing – and true equality behind the scenes in design studios and corporate boards is a work in progress – the very visuals of Paris runways have become more pluralistic, sending a powerful message to millions who look to these shows for cues.
Fashion in Paris has also interacted with movements about body positivity and gender identity, albeit more gradually. The ultra-thin model standard has been challenged by the inclusion of more plus-size models, like Paloma Elsesser walking for Lanvin or Valentino. In haute couture, where sample sizes have been especially rigid, a few designers have started to buck the norm – for instance, Jean Paul Gaultier’s final couture show put men in gowns and featured diverse body types, subverting expectations. The presence of transgender and non-binary models in Paris has grown too, with figures like Lea T walking for Givenchy in the early 2010s and newer faces appearing in recent seasons. These are more than symbolic gestures; they challenge audiences – including influential editors and buyers – to expand their view of beauty and identity. I’ve had conversations with colleagues who admitted that seeing these representations in such an elite setting genuinely affected their mindset and, subsequently, the kind of talent and stories they chose to highlight in their own work.
Another cultural thread at Paris Fashion Week has been the interplay with global politics and events. During times of turmoil, designers often respond in their own language. In the wake of tragedies or unrest, I’ve seen moments of silence at shows, or design tributes to peace and solidarity. Fashion isn’t as overt as printing headlines on a dress, but through color choices, motifs, and tone, you can sense when somberness or hope in a collection is tied to world events. For instance, during uneasy political climates, collections may emphasize protective themes – capes, military-inspired jackets, boots made for striding – as if designers are subconsciously equipping us to face challenges. Conversely, in periods of social progress or celebration, collections bloom with optimism: exuberant prints, inclusive casting, and joyful presentations. The influence of climate activism has made its way to the runways too; after activists publicly urged the fashion world to address sustainability, designers responded with gestures like upcycled materials in collections or imagery that pays homage to nature’s beauty (and fragility).
Fashion also actively propels cultural movements by normalizing what was once avant-garde. Paris has been the birthplace of many subcultural crossovers into the mainstream. The acceptance of streetwear in luxury owes much to Paris Fashion Week, where brands like Balenciaga and collaborations such as Louis Vuitton x Supreme (2017) shocked purists but signaled that youth culture and high fashion are intertwined. Now, seeing sneakers paired with couture or hoodies on a runway is not only unremarkable, it’s coveted. This blending of high and low reflects a broader cultural leveling – younger generations rejecting rigid dress codes and hierarchies. Paris’s validation of street style within luxury has helped dismantle old elitist notions and opened the door for fashion to take inspiration from anywhere and anyone.
Moreover, the cultural influence runs in the other direction too: fashion lends visual identity to movements. The feminist movement had the power suit; the environmental movement is influencing the rise of earthy tones, recycled fabrics, and slogan tees that double as protest statements. When Extinction Rebellion activists protested outside Paris Fashion Week in 2019, it was a wake-up call. The following seasons saw designers from Marine Serre to Gabriela Hearst underline eco-conscious themes, essentially weaving the spirit of activism into high fashion. What was radical on the streets can become aspirational on the runway, which in turn spreads the message further.
In summary, Paris Fashion Week operates on a cultural feedback loop. It absorbs the energy of social movements – feminism, racial justice, LGBTQ+ pride, environmentalism – and projects them back out in the form of style, which in turn amplifies and spreads those ideas to a global audience. I often think of a quote attributed to Virginia Woolf: “Vain trifles as they seem, clothes change our view of the world and the world’s view of us.” Fashion might seem frivolous to some, but as Woolf observed, what we wear can shift perceptions. On the grand stage of Paris, what is worn and shown can subtly change how people think about a cause or a concept. When you see a powerful female figure in a Dior suit stride with confidence, or a diverse cast celebrating beauty in all forms, or garments that protest in their own way, you are seeing culture in motion. That is the true influence of Paris Fashion Week: to not only reflect culture but to help shape it, one runway at a time.
The Future of Paris Fashion Week: AI, Metaverse, and Emerging Trends
Standing at the precipice of the future, I often ask myself: what will Paris Fashion Week look like in the next decade? If the past is any indication, it will continue to astound us – but how exactly? There are several emerging trends and technologies poised to redefine the fashion landscape, and Paris, ever the leader, is likely to be at the forefront of these changes.
One major frontier is Artificial Intelligence in fashion. While we touched on AI’s current behind-the-scenes role, the future could see AI taking a more prominent creative position. Imagine designers using AI not just as a tool for analysis, but as a collaborator. We could see a scenario where a Paris designer feeds an AI program hundreds of archival designs from the house’s history and asks it to generate new patterns or even garment concepts, which the designer then fine-tunes. In a way, it’s like conversing with the ghosts of fashion’s past to create something future-forward. There’s also the possibility of AI-driven personalization. Perhaps future Paris Fashion Weeks will include interactive elements where virtual attendees can customize aspects of a collection in real-time – choosing a color or print via an app during the live stream – making the experience more participatory. However, no matter how advanced AI becomes, the soul of fashion lies in human creativity. I suspect designers will use AI to enhance their work, not replace it, ensuring that the artistry and emotion remain intact.
The metaverse and digital fashion will also likely become more entwined with Paris Fashion Week. As virtual worlds gain popularity, luxury brands are already staking a claim in these spaces (witness the flurry of fashion NFTs and digital clothing for avatars in games). In future seasons, we might witness a “Paris Metaverse Fashion Week” running alongside the physical shows. Attendees from across the globe could log in as avatars to watch a digital runway that parallels the real one. In this virtual Paris, physics need not apply – gowns could be made of liquid gold or dissolve into a flock of digital birds mid-walk. This might sound fantastical, but designers are always looking for new outlets for creativity, and the virtual realm offers a boundless canvas. Crucially, this wouldn’t diminish the physical shows – rather, it would complement them. One can imagine a couture client purchasing not just a physical Chanel jacket, but also an NFT version to dress their online avatar, merging the physical and digital ownership experiences.
Another trend shaping the future is the continued rise of emerging fashion capitals and voices, and how Paris engages with them. Paris Fashion Week has a history of inviting and absorbing international talent (from Japanese designers like Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto in the 1980s to today’s designers from Africa and South Asia making waves). As the industry becomes ever more global, Paris will likely strengthen its role as the ultimate curator and stage. We may see more guest designers from around the world headlining Paris shows or collaborative events that mix Parisian houses with up-and-coming labels from other regions. This cross-pollination will keep Paris fashion fresh and globally relevant, ensuring it’s not just echoing its own heritage but also embracing new narratives.
Sustainability will also shape the future in concrete ways. It’s plausible that the traditional fashion calendar could be overhauled in response to calls for reduced waste. Perhaps Paris might consolidate some shows (combining menswear and womenswear presentations, for instance) or switch to more intimate, appointment-only showings for certain collections to cut down on spectacle and travel impact. Alternatively, technology might mitigate impact – with more virtual show elements reducing the need for large productions without sacrificing engagement. The concept of “seasonless” fashion might take hold, where designers present collections not tied to a specific season, acknowledging that climate change and global retail patterns have already blurred those lines. If any city can redefine the rhythms of fashion, it’s Paris, with its blend of influence and willingness to evolve.
In terms of style, the future will likely swing like a pendulum between high-tech and handcrafted. As materials science advances, we might see clothes that can do remarkable things – self-cleaning coats, dresses that change color with your mood, smart garments that adjust to body temperature. Paris designers will no doubt experiment with these futuristic textiles. At the same time, I anticipate a renewed appreciation for the artisanal and the one-of-a-kind. Haute couture, which Paris uniquely champions, could become even more esteemed as the antidote to mass digital production – a realm where human hands create pieces of ultimate rarity and personal fit. In a future where one can 3D-print a dress at home, a hand-sewn Dior gown will be an even greater treasure.
The audience for Paris Fashion Week may also expand and change. We already have influencers and online fans deeply involved; down the line, brands might open up parts of fashion week to the public. We could see hybrid physical-digital events where, say, the final day of Paris Fashion Week is a festival for the public with big screens showing highlights, pop-up exhibits of iconic looks, or even limited tickets for enthusiasts to attend certain shows or experiences. Such democratization would have been unthinkable in the elitist fashion world of decades past, but the ethos is changing. The next generation of fashion lovers is growing up in an interactive, open online culture, and they will want to partake in Paris Fashion Week not just as spectators but as participants.
Ultimately, the future of Paris Fashion Week will be about balance: balancing innovation with tradition, exclusivity with inclusivity, and fantasy with responsibility. I have no doubt that whatever changes come, Paris will orchestrate them with its signature elegance. The city has always shown that it can honor its legacy while spearheading change – that’s why it’s the enduring capital of fashion. So whether shows happen in the gilded salons of the Louvre, on the cobblestoned streets via live holograms, or on a digital platform we haven’t even imagined yet, Paris Fashion Week will continue to be the ultimate showcase of what fashion is and where it’s heading.
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Fashion as an Art Form
After this deep dive, one truth stands out: fashion is far more than clothes on a runway. Paris Fashion Week exemplifies how fashion, at its highest level, is a form of art – one that responds to and shapes the world around it. Especially in chaotic times, the creativity unveiled in Paris is a beacon of inspiration and resilience.
Standing in a gilded Paris salon as the lights dim and the first model steps out, you feel a pulse of human creative spirit. Each collection is the result of countless hours of imagination and craftsmanship. Each runway show is a storytelling device, conveying ideas and emotions without a single word spoken. That silent communication is powerful. It’s no coincidence that even people like Anna Wintour or Bernard Arnault, who have seen it all, still attend shows with anticipation – because there is always the possibility of witnessing something transcendent that pushes the cultural conversation forward.
In 2025, as unstable politics and global uncertainty abound, the role of Paris Fashion Week as a source of beauty and meaning is more important than ever. It proves that art in all its forms (fashion included) has the responsibility – and ability – to uplift us. A stunning gown or a daring piece of design may not solve crises, but it can remind us of the human capacity for creativity and hope. Fashion, at its best, can give us armor to face reality and also a vision of something better.
Ultimately, Paris Fashion Week endures because it continually renews the magic of fashion. It honors tradition but is never stuck in the past, and it embraces innovation while maintaining elegance. As I reflect on the spectacle, I am filled with gratitude and excitement. Gratitude that this world of tulle, silk, and ideas exists to captivate us; excitement for the new talents and trends on the horizon that will challenge and charm us next.
Fashion is sometimes dismissed as frivolity, but those who have experienced a brilliant Paris show know its profundity. It is a celebration of the human imagination. As long as designers dare to dream and audiences are willing to be moved, Paris Fashion Week will remain an apex of art and culture. In the words I opened with: when the world is at its craziest, art – including fashion – carries a great responsibility. Paris Fashion Week is living up to that responsibility, proving season after season that beauty, innovation, and hope will always find a stage.
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
Pritan Ambroase is the CEO and editor-in-chief of Hollywood Insider. He authored the new mission statement which reads: "Hollywood Insider focuses on substance and meaningful entertainment, so as to utilize media as a tool to unite and better our world, by combining entertainment, education and philanthropy, while being against gossip and scandal." It is with that particular intention and under his leadership that Hollywood Insider has transformed into a trusted media platform across multiple channels. Ambroase is also a producer, film director, motivational speaker and a talk show host with a new one in development.
Alongside his career in entertainment and media, Ambroase continues to be a passionate humanitarian and a constant human rights activist/advocate. He started the Humans Of Our World Foundation at the age of 19, and named it that specific name as he wanted humans all over the world to unite regardless of mental/political/physical borders. For the past 14 years, he has actively stood up against injustices and atrocities across the world. He believes in the power of empathy and uses that tool to be there for others across all borders. Some of the many causes he has stood up for - easy accessibility to education, anti-sexual harassment, disaster relief, healthcare, justice for black, brown and minority ethnic communities, marriage equality, refugee assistance, rebuilding villages, education reform, women's rights, rebrand Africa, police reform, prison reform, anti-segregation in governmental infrastructure, classification of animals as sentient beings, pro-LGBTQ families, anti-trafficking, anti-drug abuse, equity, differently-abled assistance, etc. The foundation's celebrity supporters are Dame Judi Dench, Joanna Lumley OBE, Bear Grylls, Amanda Holden, Andy Serkis and many others.
For more on his biography, please click here. It is his passion for cinema, entertainment and media that drives him to utilize his platform and media to unite all and make our world a better place, all the while entertaining, transforming and educating. It is his long and varied experience in entertainment, education and philanthropy which led him to combine those three elements and include them in Hollywood Insider's mission statement.
To read more about his intention, vision and goals for the media network, please visit the Our Values page by clicking on the link.
Pritan Ambroase is the CEO and editor-in-chief of Hollywood Insider. He authored the new mission statement which reads: “Hollywood Insider focuses on substance and meaningful entertainment, so as to utilize media as a tool to unite and better our world, by combining entertainment, education and philanthropy, while being against gossip and scandal.” It is with that particular intention and under his leadership that Hollywood Insider has transformed into a trusted media platform across multiple channels. Ambroase is also a producer, film director, motivational speaker and a talk show host with a new one in development.
Alongside his career in entertainment and media, Ambroase continues to be a passionate humanitarian and a constant human rights activist/advocate. He started the Humans Of Our World Foundation at the age of 19, and named it that specific name as he wanted humans all over the world to unite regardless of mental/political/physical borders. For the past 14 years, he has actively stood up against injustices and atrocities across the world. He believes in the power of empathy and uses that tool to be there for others across all borders. Some of the many causes he has stood up for – easy accessibility to education, anti-sexual harassment, disaster relief, healthcare, justice for black, brown and minority ethnic communities, marriage equality, refugee assistance, rebuilding villages, education reform, women’s rights, rebrand Africa, police reform, prison reform, anti-segregation in governmental infrastructure, classification of animals as sentient beings, pro-LGBTQ families, anti-trafficking, anti-drug abuse, equity, differently-abled assistance, etc. The foundation’s celebrity supporters are Dame Judi Dench, Joanna Lumley OBE, Bear Grylls, Amanda Holden, Andy Serkis and many others.
For more on his biography, please click here. It is his passion for cinema, entertainment and media that drives him to utilize his platform and media to unite all and make our world a better place, all the while entertaining, transforming and educating. It is his long and varied experience in entertainment, education and philanthropy which led him to combine those three elements and include them in Hollywood Insider’s mission statement.
To read more about his intention, vision and goals for the media network, please visit the Our Values page by clicking on the link.
Pritan Ambroase is the CEO and editor-in-chief of Hollywood Insider. He authored the new mission statement which reads: “Hollywood Insider focuses on substance and meaningful entertainment, so as to utilize media as a tool to unite and better our world, by combining entertainment, education and philanthropy, while being against gossip and scandal.” It is with that particular intention and under his leadership that Hollywood Insider has transformed into a trusted media platform across multiple channels. Ambroase is also a producer, film director, motivational speaker and a talk show host with a new one in development.
Alongside his career in entertainment and media, Ambroase continues to be a passionate humanitarian and a constant human rights activist/advocate. He started the Humans Of Our World Foundation at the age of 19, and named it that specific name as he wanted humans all over the world to unite regardless of mental/political/physical borders. For the past 14 years, he has actively stood up against injustices and atrocities across the world. He believes in the power of empathy and uses that tool to be there for others across all borders. Some of the many causes he has stood up for – easy accessibility to education, anti-sexual harassment, disaster relief, healthcare, justice for black, brown and minority ethnic communities, marriage equality, refugee assistance, rebuilding villages, education reform, women’s rights, rebrand Africa, police reform, prison reform, anti-segregation in governmental infrastructure, classification of animals as sentient beings, pro-LGBTQ families, anti-trafficking, anti-drug abuse, equity, differently-abled assistance, etc. The foundation’s celebrity supporters are Dame Judi Dench, Joanna Lumley OBE, Bear Grylls, Amanda Holden, Andy Serkis and many others.
For more on his biography, please click here. It is his passion for cinema, entertainment and media that drives him to utilize his platform and media to unite all and make our world a better place, all the while entertaining, transforming and educating. It is his long and varied experience in entertainment, education and philanthropy which led him to combine those three elements and include them in Hollywood Insider’s mission statement.
To read more about his intention, vision and goals for the media network, please visit the Our Values page by clicking on the link.
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