PARIS: Celine, the renowned French fashion house, has made the decision to cancel its menswear show in Paris scheduled for this weekend, citing the ongoing riots that have been triggered by the police killing of a teenager.
Designer Hedi Slimane expressed his sentiments on Instagram, stating that holding a fashion show in Paris during such a tumultuous time would be “inconsiderate and totally misplaced.”
In his French Instagram post, Slimane acknowledged that canceling the show was a great disappointment. However, he emphasized that the uncertain and serious nature of the ongoing disturbances necessitated the cancellation in order to ensure the safety of his team and guests.
Protests in France Following Teenager’s Death
France has witnessed four consecutive nights of protests following the death of teenager Nahel M., who was fatally shot by a police officer after he refused to stop his car. Although menswear week in Paris concluded on June 25, Slimane, one of the most influential designers in men’s fashion, had chosen to present his collection outside of the official schedule.
The cancellation of Celine’s show raises concerns for other fashion houses, as Paris is set to host haute couture week starting from Monday. The riots have already led to the cancellation of several cultural events, including two concerts by popular singer Mylene Farmer at the Stade de France and the final night of the Fnac Live festival in the capital. Furthermore, French President Emmanuel Macron had to postpone a state visit to Germany due to the unrest.
As the haute couture week is scheduled to commence on Monday, discussions among fashion labels will likely be tense in the coming hours, with decisions regarding the feasibility and safety of hosting their shows during this period of social unrest.
