Hedi Slimane, the designer for the French clothing line Celine, disapproved of the decision to cancel the menswear presentation because of the unrest in Paris.
Following the shooting death of Nahel M., 17, who was stopped for a traffic violation, there have reportedly been hundreds of arrests nationwide, with demonstrators setting infrastructure on fire and torching cars. The haute couture presentations were confirmed to go on as scheduled by the French fashion federation.
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A luxury firm called Schiaparelli has come under fire for using artificial animal heads, which wreaked havoc on social media. The heads were dubbed “fabulously innovative” by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), although PETA’s French branch criticized the suffering of the silkworms and sheep.
This season, Saudi Arabia has been spending lavishly in Paris, with Mohammad Ashi becoming the first Saudi designer to participate in the official haute couture week schedule.
- Celine designer Hedi Slimane opposes menswear presentation cancellation due to Paris unrest.
- Schiaparelli faces criticism for using artificial animal heads, criticized by PETA.
- Couturier Ashi unveils Maria Callas tribute line at Opera Garnier.
There are other festivities planned for the occasion, including a cocktail party at the Ritz Hotel to welcome immigrants from the kingdom. The next Indiana Jones movie star, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, as well as Penelope Cruz and Queen Rania of Jordan, have all worn Ashi.
At the Opera Garnier, couturier Mohammad Ashi will also unveil his most recent line, which is a tribute to the renowned vocalist Maria Callas. The couturier Rolland thinks that while money is important, other art forms should also be incorporated into fashion.
He expressed his appreciation for the growing number of Saudis working in the fashion industry, and especially for Ashi, noting that Saudi Arabia has a talent pool that has long been denied the opportunity to express itself.
