As the streets of Paris continue to be filled with riots and protests over the killing of 17-year-old of Nahel Merzouk by the police, the fashion industry is left with the choice to continue Paris Haute Couture Week as planned, or scrap the show in respect of the tragedy. Already, the designer and creative director of Celine, Hedi Slimane, cancelled a menswear show, saying “Having a fashion show in Paris, while France and its capital are bereaved and bruised, from my point of view alone, seems inconsiderate and totally out of place.” Despite some making the choice to respectfully cancel, others have forged ahead.
The Paris Couture Week kickstarted on July 3 and has so far featured famed designers from Alaia to Thom Browne and Schiaparelli. Designers have brought fresh narratives and sometimes returned to their archives for inspiration. Off the runway, celebrity guests and attendees have taken streetwear to a different level, honoring haute couture sentiments while playing with different, daring looks.
Here’s a look at what Black women have worn during the 2023 Paris Haute Couture week.
Cardi B
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Following a series of controversies that heavily shifted the brand’s provocative branding, Balenciaga is back at Paris Haute Couture week with major celebrity stars, including rapper Cardi B, in attendance. Cardi B arrived looking light as a feather, in a bulbous white feathery coat. She wore her hair in finger waves and paired her look with minimal accessories.
Earlier in the week the rapper attended the Schiaparelli show where she donned a black and gold ensemble.
Latto
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Rapper and recent Cosmopolitan cover star, Latto, arrived at the Iris Van Herpen show in a scaly see-through dress by the designer. The dress featured curved scales, colored blue, black and white, which gave off a whimsical, other worldly look that Van Herpen’s designs are famous for. To complete her look, Latto wore her hair in a curly updo, as well as minimal make-up.
Ramla Ali
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Somali boxer Ramla Ali attended the Christian Dior couture show in a deceptively simple calf-length silver gown. Ali finished off her look with a silver Dior bag and silver pumps.
Sabrina Elba
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While attending the Schiaparelli Haute couture Fall/Winter 2023/2024 show, Activist and model Sabrina Elba looked stunning in a reimagined prep look. It was complete with a black high-neck sweater, pleated cream skirt and a short black jacket with elaborate stitching running across its arms and lapels. Elba finished off her look with a gold and black Schiaparelli bag and black pumps.
Lupita Nyong’o
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Actress Lupita Nyong’o kept it simple yet chic at the Chanel Haute Couture show. She wore a two-piece short and buttoned-up armless jacket in a light purple color. Nyong’o finished off her look with large, dark sunglasses, a purple Chanel purse and her signature skin cut.