PARIS, May 27 — After a lengthy break, the fashion week machine will be back in action in June for the spring/summer 2019 menswear shows. First up is London, June 8, while Paris closes proceedings with around 50 shows scheduled for June 19-24. Following a wave of departures and arrivals at the helm of some of the biggest fashion houses, all eyes will be on the French capital this season, where shows from Louis Vuitton and Dior Homme are particularly eagerly awaited.
In just a few weeks, designers will reveal the colours, cuts and styles heading to menswear wardrobes for spring/summer 2019. Like each season, the fashion world will be heading to London, Milan then Paris to see collections from some of the most prestigious fashion houses. New York’s shows are being held slightly later this season, just after Haute Couture week (July 1-5). While Milan will bring high-profile shows from Prada, Fendi, Giorgio Armani and Versace, the French capital will be more than ever in the spotlight this season with two much-anticipated shows.
Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton debut
Virgil Abloh will showcase his first collection for Louis Vuitton, June 21 in Paris. Named the fashion house’s artistic director of menswear in March, the founder of the Off-White label replaced Kim Jones, who stepped down after a seven-year stint at the helm. The fashion world’s gaze will be firmly fixed on the LV runway to see what kind of fresh creative direction the label will take under its new director. The fashion world will notably find out whether Virgil Abloh will bring his signature streetwear style to this debut collection. Note that the Off-White show is scheduled for early in the day on June 20.
Dior, post-Kris Van Assche
After 11 years as Dior Homme creative director, Kris Van Assche left the French fashion house in March. His departure was soon followed by the nomination of Kim Jones as his replacement. This menswear week therefore marks an important milestone for the French fashion house, which is also set to move in a new creative direction. The British designer is expected to bring his personal touch to the label’s menswear collections, with a style that is both contemporary and chic, and with a sportswear twist. The designer also has a passion for travel, which could be reflected in his designs. Plus, after making a mark with the emblematic Supreme x Louis Vuitton collaboration, Kim Jones may also take everyone by surprise with similar partnerships from Dior Homme.
No shows from Berluti and Haider Ackermann
The provisional Paris menswear week schedule from French fashion’s governing body, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, has two notable absentees: Berluti and Haider Ackermann. Berluti is skipping a season after a recent change in artistic director, with the arrival of Kris Van Assche. The label expects to present its first collection from the Belgian designer in January 2019 for the fall/winter 2019-2020 season. Haider Ackermann recently announced plans to combine its menswear and womenswear shows, and will return to the runway during September’s fashion week. — AFP-Relaxnews
