Hey there, fashion friend. Picture this: I’m crammed into a velvet-lined seat at the Grand Palais, the air thick with that signature Parisian mix of perfume and anticipation, watching models glide past like ghosts from some glamorous past life. That was me, back in March 2024, scribbling notes furiously during Paris Fashion Week AW24—Autumn/Winter ’24, for the uninitiated. As a style editor who’s chased runways from New York to Tokyo, I can tell you Paris always feels like coming home to a slightly chaotic family reunion. Everyone’s showing off, spilling secrets, and occasionally throwing shade. This season? It was a record 108 shows, packed with debuts, anniversaries, and enough emotional punches to leave us all a little teary-eyed. Vogue Business nailed it in their digest: brands turned inward, ditching flashy gimmicks for raw, heritage-rooted storytelling. And honestly, after the whirlwind of global uncertainty, it felt like a collective exhale. Let’s unpack it all, shall we? I’ll share the highs, the surprises, and why this week still has me rummaging through my closet for that dusty Chloé scarf.
The Electric Atmosphere of PFW AW24
Paris Fashion Week AW24 buzzed with a rare intimacy amid the chaos. From Louis Vuitton’s epic 4,000-guest bash honoring Nicolas Ghesquière’s decade at the helm to Saint Laurent’s whisper-quiet 100-person closer, the city pulsed with contrasts—grand gestures clashing against quiet reflections. I remember dodging rain-slicked streets between shows, my boots splashing through puddles, heart racing for the next reveal. It wasn’t just about the clothes; it was the unspoken nod to resilience, with designers like Jacquemus urging us to nurture the next gen. Amid geopolitical shadows, beauty became a quiet rebellion.
What struck me most was how the week blended spectacle with soul. Celebs like Jennifer Lawrence and Rosalía dotted front rows, but it was the emerging voices—think Róisín Pierce’s demi-couture in the Irish embassy—that stole breaths. Vogue Business captured this perfectly: a season where nostalgia met necessity, reminding us fashion’s power to heal and hype.
Standout Debuts That Stole the Spotlight
Debuts were the beating heart of AW24, injecting fresh blood into storied houses. Seán McGirr’s Alexander McQueen opener nodded to Lee McQueen’s “feral girl” ethos with raw, ornithology-inspired edges—think slashed silks and bird-like fringes that had me gasping. Then Chemena Kamali at Chloé channeled ’70s boho goddess vibes, all flowing chiffons and leather that screamed effortless cool. I snuck into the afterparty, sipping rosé while editors buzzed about how she honored Gaby Aghion’s free-spirited legacy without a whiff of try-hard.
Lacoste’s Pelagia Noel debut was another gem, weaving René Lacoste’s tennis tales into sporty chic—polo collars reimagined with nerdy precision. These weren’t just shows; they were auditions for the future of luxury. As someone who’s seen too many flameouts, I felt a pang of hope watching these talents grip the reins.
Heritage Homages: When the Past Whispers to the Present
Nostalgia ruled AW24, but not in a dusty way—more like a warm hug from an old flame. Chanel’s Virginie Viard dove into the ’70s-’20s crossroads, staging seaside Deauville scenes with tweed skirts billowing like forgotten beach days. Louis Vuitton’s Ghesquière marked 10 years with reimagined archive hits—futuristic twists on beloved cuts that had collaborators like Pharrell Williams beaming from the crowd. I teared up during his finale; it’s rare to see a designer reflect without regret.
Balenciaga’s Demna went meta, bombarding us with AI-glitch screens and DIY dresses questioning luxury in our content-saturated world. It was chaotic genius, leaving me pondering my own Instagram scroll while chuckling at the absurdity. These nods weren’t mere throwbacks; they grounded us, proving heritage evolves when handled with heart.
Key Trends: From Tinsel Twinkles to Voluminous Escapes
Trends this season felt personal, like secrets shared over late-night crepes. Vogue Business spotlighted four big ones, but I’ll add my street-level spin. Tinsel accents shimmered everywhere—Undercover’s gold-trimmed denim had me eyeing holiday party outfits already, while Zomer’s shoulder pads added disco flair to sharp tailoring. It’s fun, wearable rebellion against winter drab.
Voluminous outerwear was the cozy hero: Comme des Garçons ballooned knits into sculptural dreams, but everyday wins came from Acne Studios’ biker-femme layers. Bare-it-all styling sparked debates—Saint Laurent’s exposed silhouettes were bold, but pair with a shearling for that emotional armor. And books? An unlikely motif, from Celine’s library set to Saint Laurent’s pop-up shop, whispering intellectual allure.
| Trend | Designers Leading It | Why It Works for AW24 | Wearability Score (1-10) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tinsel Accents | Undercover, Zomer | Adds sparkle without overkill; nods to festive resilience | 9 |
| Voluminous Silhouettes | Comme des Garçons, Noir Kei Ninomiya | Escapist volume for cocooning in uncertain times | 7 |
| Bare Styling | Saint Laurent, Courrèges | Provocative edge meets vulnerability | 6 |
| Bookish Motifs | Celine, Alaïa collabs | Intellectual twist on accessories and sets | 8 |
This table’s my quick cheat sheet—pulled from frantic post-show notes. Trends like these aren’t dictats; they’re invitations to play.
The Rise of Emerging Brands: Fresh Faces, Fierce Visions
Emerging labels lit up AW24 like fireflies in a fog. Duran Lantink’s upcycled extravagance—think twisted fabrics from deadstock—drew hordes, echoing sustainability without preachiness. Marie Adam-Leenaerdt’s third outing at Brasserie Terminus Nord packed the house, her Belgian precision in wool suiting feeling like a warm hearth. Niccolò Pasqualetti and Rokh followed suit, blending quiet luxury with quirky cuts that had buyers scrambling.
I stumbled into Róisín Pierce’s embassy presentation, her lace intricacies evoking Irish folklore with a modern bite. These brands, per Vogue Business, proved editors crave authenticity over hype. It’s heartening—reminds me of my early days interviewing garage startups, watching them bloom against odds.
- Duran Lantink: Upcycled couture that’s equal parts art and activism.
- Zomer: Childhood-inspired portraits turned into wearable whimsy.
- Ottolinger: Deconstructed denim for the rule-breaker in you.
Pros of betting on emergents: Innovation keeps fashion alive. Cons: Harder to source stateside—hello, shipping woes.
Celebrity Moments and Front Row Fever
Front rows were a who’s-who fever dream. Jennifer Lawrence slayed Dior in a rebel-femme slip, channeling that fresh-mom glow with edge. Rosalía’s Loewe look—Jonathan Anderson’s aristocratic riffs—had her owning the room like a modern duchess. Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung at Chloé? Peak cool-girl nostalgia, in buttery leathers that begged for touch.
Off-runway, Arca’s Bourse de Commerce rave with Björk in Rick Owens fresh off the catwalk was the party’s pinnacle—sweaty, euphoric, utterly un-Parisian. These moments? They’re the glue, turning shows into shared memories. As a celeb-spotter veteran, I live for the electric “oh snap” when icons collide.
Sustainability Whispers Amid the Spectacle
Sustainability snuck in subtly this season, less sermon, more seamless. Angelina Jolie’s Atelier Jolie collab with low-impact artisans felt genuine, prioritizing “give back” over greenwashing. Marine Serre’s upcycled patches nodded to circularity, while Ester Manas’ inclusive sizing championed body diversity as eco-equity.
It’s progress, but let’s be real—amid mega-productions, it sometimes felt token. Still, whispers from Pelagia Noel at Lacoste about ethical tennis whites warmed my cynic’s heart. For brands eyeing longevity, this isn’t optional; it’s the new baseline.
Comparisons: Old Guard vs. New Guard
AW24 pitted legacy against legacy-in-the-making beautifully. Old guard like Chanel leaned archival, safe yet stunning in Deauville tweeds. New guard? McGirr’s McQueen feral frenzy clashed with Ghesquière’s polished Vuitton reverie—raw vs. refined.
| Aspect | Old Guard (e.g., Chanel) | New Guard (e.g., Chloé under Kamali) |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic | Archival elegance, seaside serenity | Boho revival, leather-laced freedom |
| Innovation Level | Subtle nods to ’20s icons | Bold ’70s reimaginings with edge |
| Emotional Pull | Comforting familiarity | Exciting disruption |
| Market Impact | Steady sales boosters | Buzz for younger demos |
This showdown? It highlighted fashion’s cycle—veterans mentor, newcomers ignite.
Pros of old guard: Timeless investment pieces. Cons: Risk of stagnation. New guard pros: Viral energy. Cons: Proving staying power.
Pros & Cons: Why AW24 Felt Like a Turning Point
Pros:
- Intimate debuts fostered real connections.
- Heritage focus grounded luxury in meaning.
- Emerging buzz diversified the narrative.
Cons:
- Overpacked schedule led to FOMO fatigue.
- Debated styling (bare breasts?) risked alienating.
- Sustainability still lagged behind spectacle.
Overall, it was a pivot toward purpose—flawed, fabulous, forward.
People Also Ask: Unpacking PFW Curiosities
Drawing from Google’s buzzing queries, here’s what folks were pondering post-AW24. These hit the informational sweet spot, like “What is Paris Fashion Week?”—that biannual extravaganza since 1973, blending haute couture and ready-to-wear under the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. Or navigational gems: “Where to get Paris Fashion Week tickets?” Official invites are insider-only, but snag public seats via FHCM’s site or apps like TodayTix for pop-ups.
Transactional intent shines in “Best tools for following PFW trends?” Apps like Vogue Runway for live streams or WGSN for pro forecasts—essential for stylists like me. And “What were the top trends from Paris Fashion Week AW24?” Tinsel, volume, and boho reigned, per Drapers and Who What Wear.
- What makes PFW different from other fashion weeks? Its couture roots and global pull—think 100+ shows blending art and commerce.
- How to attend Paris Fashion Week on a budget? Street-style spotting’s free; follow Vogue’s live coverage for virtual vibes.
- Which designers debuted at AW24? McGirr (McQueen), Kamali (Chloé), Noel (Lacoste)—game-changers all.
These questions mirror the week’s magic: accessible yet aspirational.
Where to Get the Looks: Shopping the AW24 Digest
Navigating post-PFW buys? Start with resale for heritage hits—The RealReal for vintage Vuitton or Chloé. Emerging? Rokh’s site for those slouchy knits. Transactional tip: Net-a-Porter’s “PFW Edit” curates trends affordably. I scored a tinsel-trimmed jacket from Undercover’s drop—under $500, feels like a steal.
For tools: Download the Vogue app for runway recaps; it’s my go-to for on-the-go inspo. Budget hacks? Thrift apps like Depop mimic volumes with thrifted coats.
Best Tools for Curating Your AW24 Wardrobe
- Vogue Runway App: Free runway videos, perfect for mood-boarding.
- WGSN Subscription: Pro trend forecasts ($ varies)—worth it for creators.
- Pinterest Boards: Free, visual gold for mixing tinsel with your basics.
These keep the week’s energy alive without breaking the bank.
FAQ: Your Burning AW24 Questions Answered
What was the most talked-about moment from Paris Fashion Week AW24?
Hands down, Ghesquière’s Louis Vuitton anniversary—4,000 guests, archive remixes, pure emotion. It trended worldwide, blending celebration with quiet reflection on a designer’s journey.
How can I incorporate AW24 trends into everyday wear?
Start small: Add tinsel to denim via thrifted patches, or layer voluminous knits over basics. It’s about ease—Kamali’s Chloé proved boho works for coffee runs, not just catwalks.
Which emerging brand from AW24 should I watch next?
Róisín Pierce—her demi-couture blends Irish heritage with modern edge. Stock her lace pieces now; they’re set to explode.
Is Paris Fashion Week AW24 sustainable?
Mixed bag: Jolie’s artisan focus shone, but mega-sets raised eyebrows. Look for Serre’s upcycles for eco-wins.
Where can I relive the best AW24 shows?
Vogue’s fashion shows hub—videos, reviews, all free. Pair with Spotify playlists from the week for full immersion.
Whew, that was AW24—a season that wrapped us in familiarity while pushing boundaries. As I fold away my show invites, I’m left with that post-PFW glow: inspired, a tad exhausted, utterly alive. What’s your takeaway? Drop a comment; let’s chat trends over virtual coffee. Until Milan, stay stylish.
