The decision was made in response to the protests regarding the police killing of a teenager in France.
The fatal shooting by police of 17-year-old Nahel M. happened last Tuesday, June 27 in a Paris suburb. Since then, protests have spread across France, while some have broken out into riots.
The incident has become a rallying call against police brutality, similar to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis back in 2020.
Responding to the public outcry, fashion brands such as Celine, Chloé, and Courrèges have canceled or postponed their planned events.
READ ALSO: Making A Statement: French Protesters Stormed The Headquarters Of This Luxury Giant
Response from fashion houses
Hedi Slimane was supposed to unveil his spring 2024 men’s collection at the canceled fashion show on Sunday. Celine sent out a statement to invited guests informing them of the cancelation. The brand stated that it made the decision on behalf of everyone’s safety.
“Having to abruptly cancel a show that represents a considerable amount of work for the fashion house, my teams and the workshops is a great disappointment. It’s also a disappointment for all our guests, journalists, artists and musicians, to whom I extend my warmest and most affectionate thanks,” Slimane wrote in a post on his personal Instagram account.
“Their safety is naturally a priority for us, and the uncertain evolution of these extremely serious disorders requires us all to exercise the utmost discernment. From my point of view alone, a fashion show in Paris at a time when France and its capital are bereaved and bruised seems inconsiderate and totally out of place,” he continued.
Chloé also reportedly canceled a cocktail event scheduled for Friday evening. The fashion house was planning to pay tribute to Karl Lagerfeld’s creations. The brand cited “the current situation in Paris” regarding its decision.
Meanwhile, Courrèges postponed its annual summer party which was going to take place in Romainville outside Paris on Saturday.
“We were so happy to dance with you tomorrow for our annual Summerclub but due to the recent tragedy in France we have decided to postpone our moment together,” creative director Nicolas Di Felice said on Instagram last Friday.
For now, Paris Couture Week, which is running from July 3 to 6, will be going ahead as planned.
Banner image by Chris Molloy via Pexels.
