Alright, so I figured I’d share a bit about my recent trip, the whole Saint Laurent gig at Paris Fashion Week 2024. It wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, but definitely an experience, that’s for sure.
Getting the Ball Rolling
It all started a few months back. I saw the PFW schedule pop up, and Saint Laurent was on it, obviously. I’ve always had a soft spot for their clean lines, you know? So, I thought, instead of just scrolling through Vogue runway pics on my phone like I usually do, why not try and actually be there? Seemed like a good idea at the time.
Now, getting into these things isn’t like buying a concert ticket. Oh no. It’s a whole different beast. I spent ages just trying to figure out who to even bother asking. Sent out a flurry of emails – mostly into the void, I reckon. Called a few contacts I had, trying to see if anyone could, you know, nudge things along. It felt like a full-time job just trying to get on someone’s radar.
Pre-Game Shenanigans
Eventually, after a lot of back and forth, and I mean a LOT, I got a tentative nod. That’s when the real fun began: what to wear. You can’t just show up in your everyday gear, can you? Well, some people do, and you wonder. I dug through my closet, pulled out a few options. Tried on a bunch of stuff. Nothing felt quite right. I didn’t want to look like I was trying too hard, but also didn’t want to look like I’d just rolled out of bed. Finally, I settled on something fairly classic, something dark. Figured I couldn’t go too wrong with that.
Then it was all about logistics. Booked my flight to Paris – that was straightforward enough. Found a small hotel that wouldn’t require me to sell a kidney. Paris is pricey, especially during Fashion Week. I packed my bag, mostly black clothes, let’s be honest, and made sure my camera was charged. I like to take my own snaps, even if they’re just for me.
Paris, Paris
Landed in Paris, and the usual chaos hit me. It’s a gorgeous city, no doubt, but Fashion Week just adds another layer of… intensity. Everyone’s rushing, everyone looks important (or thinks they do). Grabbed a cab, which took forever, and headed to my hotel. Dropped my stuff and immediately went for a walk to soak it in a bit before the main event.
The Main Event: Saint Laurent
Show day. I made sure to get to the venue with what I thought was plenty of time to spare. Wrong. The area was already swarming. So many people outside, photographers snapping away at anyone who looked remotely interesting. It’s a whole circus, that pre-show scene. Lots of peacocking. I just tried to navigate through it all without getting knocked over.
Finally, I got inside. The venue, as expected with Saint Laurent, was pretty spectacular. They always go for that dramatic, almost stark, aesthetic. It was dimly lit, very moody. I found my assigned spot – thankfully I had one, even if it wasn’t front row, ha! The anticipation in the air was thick. You could feel it.
Then the lights dimmed completely, the music started – loud, thumping. And out came the first model. And then another, and another. The collection itself? Well, it was very Saint Laurent. You know, the sharp tailoring, the slinky dresses, tons of black, that kind of super chic, almost severe look. Some pieces were absolutely breathtaking. I saw this one coat, and I just thought, “Wow.” Other things, you know, you see them and think, “Okay, that’s cool for a runway, but where on earth would a normal person wear that?” But that’s fashion for you.
I watched the models, looked at the details in the clothes as much as I could from my vantage point. The way the fabric moved, the cut of the jackets. It’s impressive, the craftsmanship. But honestly, half the time I was also people-watching. The serious faces in the crowd, the editors scribbling notes, the influencers trying to get the perfect shot. It’s a whole performance, not just on the runway.
The Aftermath
And then, just like that, it was over. Maybe 15, 20 minutes tops. All that build-up, all that effort, for a fleeting show. The lights came up, everyone clapped, and then it was a mad dash for the exits. Back out into the Paris night, the buzz still lingering a bit.
So, my little adventure to the Saint Laurent show. It was something, alright. Got to see some amazing clothes up close, which was the whole point. But the whole palaver around it, the industry stuff, that’s a world of its own. Would I do it again? Probably. It’s good to step out of your routine, see these things for yourself, not just through a screen. But I’ll definitely remember to pack more patience next time!
