Paris Haute Couture Week Continues Amid Protests - Residents Outraged

Paris Haute Couture Week is ongoing despite protests and public outrage.

It is reported by RTVslo.si. 

Chaos, violence, and burning cars on one side of Paris, and a week of high fashion with the cream of the world's elite on the other. Many are dismayed by the recklessness displayed by celebrities and designers during the ongoing protests in the French capital. 

Celebrities, designers, and other participants of Paris Fashion Week have faced criticism for deciding to proceed with the event despite the unrest following recent police violence. The event was attended by singer Cardi B, actress Tracee Ellis Ross, singer Camila Cabello, models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, "Game of Thrones" star Maisie Williams, and others. 

Although the turmoil has somewhat subsided in recent days (with fewer arrests and clashes), social media, especially Twitter, has been flooded with posts of outrage.

Users were shocked to see glamorous fashion houses turning a blind eye: 

"It's madness to see advertisements for Maison Schiaparelli while French streets are burning right underneath." 

Many also criticized the stars, calling them thoughtless: 

"It's strange that they continued Fashion Week despite the protests. The elite is turning away from the people and enjoying parties and shows with clothing worth thousands of dollars."

Designer Hedi Slimane also expressed his outrage. He was supposed to unveil the new Spring 2024 men's collection a few days ago.

"The fashion show in Paris at this moment is completely inappropriate and thoughtless," he wrote on his Instagram profile, adding that due to the unrest and for the safety of guests and his team, the presentation of Celine Homme fashion house's collection will not take place. 

As reported by The Gaze, protests erupted in France after the police shot and killed a 17-year-old Arab teenager named Nahel during a traffic stop in the Paris suburb of Nanterre on June 27. The boy died from gunshot wounds to the chest, despite the assistance of emergency services. Two other passengers were in the car during the shooting, one of whom fled, while the police detained the other underage individual. 

Protesters accuse the police of using excessive force. During the nearly week-long protests, over 4,000 cars were vandalized or set on fire, around 600 law enforcement officers were injured, and over 2,000 protesters were arrested. At least one protester has died. 

French President Emmanuel Macron has accused social media and video games of fueling the outbreak of violence.