Je veux, je peux. (I want it, so I can.) 🏅

2024 Vogue World: Paris

France is already irresistible; this year, with the Paris Olympics approaching, its fashion energy feels even more electric. I am still replaying the music from Vogue World: Paris.

More than a prelude to the season's couture shows, Vogue World: Paris became a fashionable opening act for the Olympics. Models, singers, and dancers traced 100 years of French style while celebrating sport, fashion, and the enduring brilliance of the great houses.

On the evening of June 23, the golden square of Place Vendôme set the stage. Along with 151 models, nearly 200 athletes, and a 40-person orchestra, the audience included Anna Wintour's carefully selected guests and fashion's most recognizable names.

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The 1920s arrived with the Charleston. Its free, easy steps seemed made for a Chanel suit—an elegant, comfortable statement that helped redefine modern femininity.

In the 1930s, the relay runners represented track and field, but their sport was framed by Balenciaga's classic floor-length black gowns—a fitting nod to the house's early years in Paris.

As blue flags swept forward like waves, the 1940s brought a seaside holiday mood. Jacquemus, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Miu Miu presented relaxed resort looks, recalling the era in which the bikini first appeared.

For the 1950s, fencing met Hermès. Six supermodels crossed the square in fencing masks and gear styled by the house, while Dior's iconic Bar Suit celebrated the female silhouette.

The 1960s were all energy and movement: performers struck dynamic poses in Courrèges and Paco Rabanne, with futuristic metallic pieces echoing the Space Age.

The 1970s brought women's liberation and an explosion of colour—pure disco spirit. Givenchy supplied the vivid looks for this joyful chapter.

In the 1980s, sport met martial arts as women took up more space in the workplace. Strong-shouldered Yves Saint Laurent suits gave the models an assured, powerful stride.

The 1990s played football on the catwalk, a reference to France's 1998 World Cup triumph. Alaïa delivered a spectacular tricolour-inspired look that brought the French flag to life.

The 2000s and 2010s showed how deeply fashion had absorbed sport and street culture. Off-White brought confident athletic attitude, while Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Loewe used their own signatures to speak to a new generation.

As the star athletes made their final entrance, the presentation came to a close. Vogue World: Paris donated 10% of its proceeds to a fund supporting young athletes. For me, it was a beautifully constructed celebration of diversity, French identity, music, movement, and the irresistible power of the participating fashion houses.

Image source: Vogue YouTube channel