Who Started Paris Fashion Week?

By Alice Nichols

Paris Fashion Week is one of the most prominent events in the fashion industry. It is the ultimate destination for designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts from all over the world.

But have you ever wondered who started Paris Fashion Week? Let’s take a look at its history.

The Beginning

Paris Fashion Week has its origins in the late 19th century when the fashion industry was just starting to gain momentum. In 1858, Charles Frederick Worth, a British designer who lived in Paris, opened his own couture house and became known as the “father of haute couture.” He began showcasing his collections twice a year to clients from around the world.

The Birth of Fashion Shows

In 1910, the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture was established as a way to regulate and promote French fashion. The organization created guidelines for designers to follow and required them to present their collections twice a year.

The first “fashion show” as we know it today took place in 1945. The event was organized by Baroness Hélène de Ludinghausen, a public relations expert working for Christian Dior. She organized a runway show at Dior’s salon on Avenue Montaigne in Paris to showcase his new collection.

The Evolution of Paris Fashion Week

Over time, more designers began showing their collections during these bi-annual events. In 1973, French fashion journalist Marie-France Pochna coined the term “Fashion Week” to describe these events.

Today, Paris Fashion Week is one of the most important events on the fashion calendar. It takes place twice a year – once in February/March for Fall/Winter collections and again in September/October for Spring/Summer collections.

In Conclusion

In summary, Charles Frederick Worth can be credited with starting Paris Fashion Week with his bi-annual couture presentations in the late 19th century. However, it was not until 1945 that the first modern-style fashion show took place, and Fashion Week as we know it today did not come into existence until much later. Regardless of its origins, Paris Fashion Week remains a crucial event for the fashion industry and continues to inspire designers, retailers, and consumers around the world.