Paris Fashion Week 2023: Louis Vuitton’s ‘glamorous thrift store’ took over Musée d’Orsay with Pharrell and Sophie Turner in the front row, while LVMH’s Stella McCartney led horses to the runway

Mar 8 , 2023

Models present creations by designer Stella McCartney as part of her autumn/winter 2023-2024 women’s ready-to-wear collection show during Paris Fashion Week in Paris, France, on March 6. Photo: Reuters

The excitement continued at Paris Fashion Week on Monday, with Aquazzura launching its first women’s handbag collection and AZ Factory honouring founder and late Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz’s vision

Stella McCartney caused a stir with equine ‘models’ and sustainable vegan leather materials, from plant-based technology Mirum to AppleSkin, which resembles crocodile skin

Paris’ Musée d’Orsay was, for the duration of Louis Vuitton’s 15-minute show, a museum transformed: a buzzing circus of sparkle and camera flashes where the rich, powerful and famous mingled on the penultimate day of Paris Fashion Week. Designer Nicolas Ghesquiere put on a resplendent and passionate vintage-tinged ode to French style, prompting cheers from the audience that echoed around the lofty chambers.

A model presents a creation from Louis Vuitton womenswear autumn/winter 2023-2024 collection during Paris Fashion Week in Paris, on March 6. Photo: AFP

Meanwhile, earthy scents pricked guests’ noses as they entered the venue for Stella McCartney: a manège. Shivers from the cold were quickly succeeded by gasps when seven horses suddenly galloped in from a side door followed by an exuberant handler. The show that incorporated equestrian themes was a visual and sensory statement from McCartney, a prominent animal rights campaigner.

Here are some highlights of autumn/winter 2023-24 ready-to-wear shows Monday.

The Musée Vuitton

Louis Vuitton’s womenswear autumn/winter 2023-2024 collection show took place at the iconic Musée d’Orsay during Paris Fashion Week in Paris, on March 6. Photo: AFP

The excitement was palpable, even among the VIPs.

Sophie Turner not only dressed on brand, decked out in a silken Vuitton pajama look, she also sung on brand – chanting “we love Louis Vuitton” with front row neighbour Chloë Grace Moretz. Vuitton ambassadors Alicia Vikander and Lea Seydoux chatted animatedly. Anna Wintour pouted.

Pharrell Williams, left, and Helen Lasichanh attend the Louis Vuitton autumn/winter 2023-2024 ready-to-wear collection presented on March 6, in Paris. Photo: Invision/AP

Pharrell breezed in to flurries of camera flashes, wearing a monogrammed coat and cap, still basking in becoming Louis Vuitton men’s designer. Quizzed by The Associated Press if he felt at home at the maison since last month’s announcement, Pharrell replied: “It feels like love.”