Paris is renowned for its illustrious fashion heritage, having been a sartorial trendsetter since the 18th century. Its influence has withstood centuries and can still be seen today in international design trends.
In the 18th century, Paris was Europe’s political and cultural center, and fashion was an essential aspect of this culture. The aristocrats and nobility of the time spent much money on clothing and accessories to showcase their wealth and status. Parisian designers, many of whom were based in the faubourg Saint-Honoré neighborhood, began to create the latest fashions for the elite.
In the 19th century, the rise of the middle class led to a greater demand for clothing, and Parisian designers adapted their styles to appeal to this new market. The invention of the sewing machine in the 1850s also made it possible for clothes to be produced more quickly and at a lower cost, allowing for the mass production of fashion. The opening of the first department store, Le Bon Marché, in 1852 provided a new venue for designers to showcase and sell their clothes.
The 20th century saw a dramatic change in the fashion world with the rise of haute couture or high fashion. Haute couture was defined as the creation of exclusive and custom-fitted clothing, and it was led by designers such as Charles Frederick Worth, Paul Poiret, and Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. These designers established fashion houses and began to present their collections in runway shows, which were attended by both the elite and the fashion press. The rise of haute couture also led to the development of ready-to-wear fashion, which was less expensive and more widely available.
During World War II, many Parisian fashion designers were forced to flee the city, and the fashion industry in Paris came to a standstill. However, in the post-war years, a new generation of designers, such as Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, emerged and helped to revitalize the Parisian fashion scene.
In the 1960s, the “youthquake” movement brought new styles and designers to the forefront of the fashion world, including André Courrèges and Mary Quant. Parisian fashion also became more diverse during this time, with the emergence of ethnic-inspired fashion and the increasing influence of street fashion.
Today, Paris remains a major center of the fashion world, with many famous designers and fashion houses based in the city. Paris Fashion Week, held twice a year, is one of the most important events in the fashion calendar, and designers from around the world come to Paris to showcase their latest collections. The city also has a number of prestigious fashion schools, including the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne and the Parsons Paris School of Art and Design, which help to nurture new talent in the fashion industry.
Paris has been a fashion torchbearer over the centuries, uniquely shaped by its political and cultural standing in the 18th century alongside an emerging middle class of artisans in the 19th. The 20th Century saw waves of creative breakthroughs that propelled Paris forward as one of the few global epicenters for couture design – from wartime hardship to post-war recovery and beyond. This illustrious history combined with ongoing talent incubation continues to cement Paris’ place at the top tables worldwide; without doubt, it remains a leading international trendsetter.
