French Fashion Adjusts Calendar for 2024 Olympic Games
The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode has announced a rescheduling of Paris Couture Week for fall 2024 to avoid conflicts with the preparations for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. Concerns were raised about potential disruptions caused by the Games, which are expected to be the largest event ever organized in France, including fashion shows, music festivals, and other auxiliary events. The federation is working closely with various authorities, including the Paris police, City Hall, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee, to coordinate efforts and ensure that fashion events can still take place.
In a joint interview, Bruno Pavlovsky, president of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, and Pascal Morand, its executive president, shared measures being taken by the organization to safeguard its calendar against potential disruptions caused by the Games. The federation, which has previously dealt with challenges such as terrorist attacks and protests during significant events, is working with authorities to identify alternative venues for fashion events since the Olympic Games will take over many usual locations for journalists or competitions. The government is also incentivized to protect the fashion sector, which contributes significantly to the French economy.
To allow participants to make necessary arrangements, the federation has decided to publish its 2024 dates early. The men’s fashion weeks will be held from January 16 to 21 and June 18 to 23, women’s fashion weeks from February 26 to March 5 and September 23 to October 1, and haute couture shows from January 22 to 25 and June 24 to 27. The usual week that separates men’s shows and haute couture week in summer will be eliminated. Pavlovsky noted that the federation’s decision to provide early dates also sends a strong message that showrooms and presentations in July, including those for high jewelry, will be virtually impossible due to the Olympic organization taking over all venues from July 1 onwards.
Despite the adjustments, there are currently no plans for the French fashion industry to be involved in the Games’ opening ceremony. However, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury conglomerate, has confirmed discussions to become a partner of the organizing committee of the 2024 Olympics, joining other official partners such as Carrefour, Decathlon, and Le Coq Sportif. Participants are advised to book their travel and hotels early due to the expected high demand during the Games to ensure smooth arrangements. The federation is committed to working with authorities and stakeholders to ensure that Paris Couture Week and other fashion events continue to thrive while also supporting the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
