Party Hopping at Paris Fashion Week
Thanks to social media, Paris Fashion Week is more about who's who at the after-show parties than about the collections. Even at the shows, Vogue and Hypebeast pay more attention to the front row than to the clothes on the runway.
Paris Fashion Week this year was no different. While designers debuted their Spring/Summer collections at shows jam-packed with celebrities and fashion influencers, the glitzy after-show parties offered the real highlights of the season. Here's an inside look at some of the best after-show parties this year.
Tuesday February 28
Prominent New York City nightclub owner Richie Akiva took over the swanky Parisian nightclub, L'Arc, for the entire week to throw a spectacle of dazzling events combining New York City nightlife and chic Parisian atmosphere. It was the start to a glam week. On Tuesday night, popular Canadian recording artist "The Weeknd" sold out the Accors Hotel Arena near Bercy. The Starboy dazzled fans by performing songs from his new album while remaining true to his core audience by performing songs of his debut mixtape "House of Balloons." The kickoff event was the official after party of The Weeknd at L'Arc.
The Weeknd x Travis Scott. Image credit: Gianni Harrell.
After the Weeknd concert, which ended around 11 pm, guests went home (or to their hotels) for a quick dinner and outfit change before the next rendez-vous at L'Arc at 1:30 a.m. to mingle with Victoria Secret model Sara Sampiao, recording artist Travis Scott, and rumored starboy girlfriend Selena Gomez.
Wednesday March 1
After the crazy Weeknd party at L'Arc, models and fashion influencers got up early to get ready for the Maison Margiela, Lanvin, and Kenzo shows. That night, the next party on schedule was hosted by Tyga at L'Arc.
Tyga (left) hosts Up&Down pop up at L'Arc, Richie Akiva (middle) and Alexander Edwards (right). Image credit: Gianni Harrell.
Tyga, famous as Kylie Jenner's boyfriend at the moment, threw an absolutely FORGETTABLE party where the only star in attendance was him. Maybe it was a combination of how lame Tyga is, or how tired the models were from last night. Either way, if you were out Wednesday night you probably experienced one boring night.
Thursday March 2
Thursday night was one of the biggest nights out. Everyone was well rested from staying in Wednesday night (and not attending Tyga's horrible party). Most of the models and influencers had time to prepare for some of the biggest shows of the season — brands such as Chloé, Balmain, Rick Owens, and recently popularized street wear brand Off-White.
One of the biggest after parties of the night was directly after the Balmain. The current creative director of Balmain, Olivier Rustening (in photo at top) is respected not only in the fashion community but has become a celebrity on his own due to his star muses. Guests included Sara Sampiao, Nicki Minaj, Nick Jonas, Kendal Jenner, Grace Bol, and Vanessa Moody.
Following the official Balmain after party which was hosted at trendy Japanese restaurant Manko, guests arrived at 1:30 a.m. at L'Arc where guests were surprised to an impromptu performance by recording artist Travis Scott.
Travis Scott at L'Arc. Image credit: Gianni Harrell.
Friday March 3
After another crazy night hosted by the New York City nightclub Up&Down at L'Arc, it was time for another day of running from fashion show to fashion shows. The highlight show of the day was Christian Dior. Directly after the show, instead of throwing a party at a different location, Dior through a party backstage hosted by model Bella Hadid. Guests included Virgil Abloh, Winnie Harlow, and Madison Beer.
Bella Hadid backstage at Dior. Image credit: Gianni Harrell.
Following the Dior after party, models and influencers went to Virgil Abloh's party at L'Arc. Virgil is not only the founder and creative designer of his popular street wear brand, OFF-White, he's become a globally recognized DJ known for throwing some of the hippest parties called "Flat White" all over the world. Guests of the night included Kendall Jenner, Rihanna, Madison Beer, and Hailey Baldwin.
Flat White: Richie Akiva and Virgil Abloh at L'Arc. Image credit: Gianni Harrell.
Saturday March 4
Following the madness that goes down after Virgil Abloh performs a set, everybody still had to prepare for all the fashion shows the following day. It was a pretty quite day on the fashion scene. Brands such as Vivenne Westwood, Comme des Garcons, and Sonia Rykiel showcased their spring/summer collections. In terms of parties, just when you think it couldn't get any bigger, it does. On Saturday, Hailey Baldwin daughter of actor Alec Baldwin, hosted Los Angeles singer and social media star Madison Beer's birthday at l'arc. Attendee's included Hailey, Madison, Kendall Jenner, and a few other models. Music was played by Taco, friend of Tyler the Creator and member of Odd Future.
Madison Beer leaving L'Arc. Image credit: Gianni Harrell.
Sunday March 5
Sunday, traditionally known as a rest day in France, was far from restful at Paris Fashion Week. Stars had to continue running from fashion show to fashion show. The shows of the day were Balenciaga, Valentino, and John Galliano, who currently is the creative director behind Maison Margiela.
Sunday was actually the one night where 1Oak x L'arc didn't throw a pop-up party, but instead popular Parisian nightclubs Titty Twister and Cartel were the places to be. At Titty music was spun by local resident DJ Magnum and featured a surprise appearnce from rap artist Future. Cartel had music spun Virgil Abloh for a VLONE party hosted by Asap Bari, a member of Asap Rocky's crew the Asap Mob.
