Paris Fashion Week 2022: Surrealism, Spray-On Dresses, and Mud Shows

Paris Fashion Week concluded the fashion month, following New York, London, and Milan. The event featured surrealist influences, notably at Loewe under Jonathan Anderson, and surprising spectacles like Coperni's spray-on dress on Bella Hadid using technology previously seen. Valentino moved away from its Pink PP identity towards essential elegance. Balenciaga's 'Mud Show' collaborated with Spanish artist Santiago Serra, known for protest works, and included a statement on individuality. Balmain's collection by Olivier Rousteing referenced Alexander McQueen's Plato's Atlantis and Jean Paul Gaultier, with Cher closing the show. Minimalism at The Row contrasted with more provocative designs from Victoria Beckham and Ludovic de Saint Sernin. Dries Van Noten and Yves Saint Laurent favored essential over opulent. The season highlighted a tension between established houses and emerging designers, with Paris and Milan competing for dominance after London Fashion Week's perceived failure. The overall success was measured by renewed public debate and engagement with fashion.