As Paris Fashion Week opened on Monday, there was a question mark over whether it should be happening at all. Ralph Toledano, president of French fashion’s governing body the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, argued in favour of it going ahead despite the war in Ukraine. “Creation is based on principles of freedom, under any circumstances,” he wrote in a statement, encouraging audiences to experience shows “with solemnity and in reflection of these dark hours”. In Paris on Tuesday, at the Nanushka presentation, the Ukraine national anthem was played, and the brand pledged support to people leaving Ukraine and seeking support in Budapest. Whether or not many of the major designers in Paris will adjust their presentations, or use them as a platform to comment on the situation, remains to be seen.
