Warning: Only for the Fashionably Brave and Financially Prepared for Paris Fashion
Paris, the capital of France, is widely considered to be the world’s fashion capital, home to some of the most renowned and exclusive Parisian fashion houses in existence. These fashion houses are not just places where people buy clothes; they are institutions that have been setting fashion trends and pushing the boundaries of fashion design for decades.
Access to these fashion houses can be challenging. Many require significant amounts of money to be spent and an appointment to be made in advance. In this context, knowing which Paris fashion houses require both money and an appointment to access is essential.Â
Some of the most notable Parisian fashion houses include:
- Chanel: The iconic fashion house founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is known for its haute couture designs and luxury goods. Chanel requires an appointment to visit their boutiques or attend their fashion shows.
- Dior: Another famous French fashion house, Dior is known for its elegant designs and luxurious accessories. An appointment is required to visit their boutiques or attend their fashion shows.
- Louis Vuitton: Known for its iconic monogrammed bags and luxury leather goods, Louis Vuitton, is one of the most exclusive fashion houses in the world. Access to their boutiques and fashion shows is by appointment only.
- Givenchy: A fashion house founded by Hubert de Givenchy, it is known for its sophisticated and timeless designs. Givenchy requires an appointment to access their boutiques or attend their fashion shows.
- Balenciaga: A fashion house is known for its avant-garde designs and streetwear aesthetic, Balenciaga is a popular choice for the fashion-forward crowd. Appointments are required to visit their boutiques or attend their fashion shows.
- Saint Laurent: Founded by Yves Saint Laurent, this fashion house is known for its edgy designs and rock-and-roll-inspired aesthetic. Access to their boutiques and fashion shows is by appointment only.
TIP: It’s worth noting that even if you have the money and an appointment, some Parisian fashion houses may still have strict entry requirements or limited availability.
Did you know?
One interesting fact about the Parisian fashion houses that demand money and an appointment is that some have strict dress codes that visitors must adhere to when entering their boutiques or attending their fashion shows.
For example, Chanel requires visitors to dress in chic and elegant attire, and men must wear suits or blazers. Similarly, Dior’s strict dress code prohibits sportswear, shorts, and flip-flops.
A little history:
The country has been a fashion capital for centuries, with its history of Paris fashion houses shaping the industry. The origins of haute couture, the most exclusive and luxurious form of fashion, can be traced back to Paris in the mid-1800s.
In 1858, Charles Frederick Worth, an Englishman who had moved to the city, opened his Paris fashion house, quickly becoming a success. He is credited with introducing the concept of the fashion designer, creating both functional and fashionable clothes, and establishing the idea that fashion should be considered an art form.
Over the years, other fashion houses followed in Worth’s footsteps, such as Paul Poiret, Coco Chanel, and Elsa Schiaparelli, who pushed the boundaries of Paris fashion with their innovative designs. These designers helped establish the Paris fashion industry’s reputation for being at the forefront of fashion trends and innovation.
The 1900s saw the rise of many legendary Parisian fashion houses, including Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Givenchy. These designers revolutionized the fashion industry with innovative designs, often inspired by art and culture.
The Paris fashion house industry continued to thrive in the latter half of the 20th century, with designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Christian Lacroix becoming household names.
Paris remains a hub of Parisian fashion innovation and creativity, with many of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious fashion houses based in the city. Parisian fashion houses continue to shape the industry, setting trends and inspiring designers worldwide.
