At Paris Fashion Week, Everyone’s a Critic
PARIS — The fashion industry is passing the baton to a new generation of designers, and the role of fashion critics is changing rapidly. What was once an exclusive job for elite editors in the front rows now engages millions online, turning fashion critique into a public spectacle.
This shift has sparked debate on the influence of free speech within an industry famed for strict image control. At Paris Fashion Week, content creator Lyas drew over 13,000 people to sustainable fashion hub La Caserne for watch parties that transformed viewing into an interactive experience.
La Watchparty Festival
Following previous events in London and Milan, Lyas’s eight-day La Watchparty featured livestreams of collections from top brands including Dior, Chanel, Saint Laurent, Courrèges, and Balenciaga. Shows were broadcast on a massive laptop screen, and attendees used QR codes to rate each performance.
- Attendees were invited on stage to share their opinions.
- The event encouraged open discussion and participation.
“These days, anyone can take on the role of commentator, critic, or even journalist — that’s what I did,” said Lyas, whose real name is Elias Medini.
As a new wave of social commentators rises, candid commentary and community engagement are becoming central to fashion month, which recently marked a record 15 designer debuts this season.
Author’s Summary
The evolving landscape of fashion criticism embraces public participation, making critique more democratic and interactive amidst a growing community of social commentators.