Viktor & Rolf: Street Style and the Audience

The Dutch design duo of Viktor & Rolf has long been established members of the couture week in Paris. With their quirky presentations, intellectual and intelligent approach to fashion and clothes, they are both firm favourites, and on the edge. Each collection challenges the viewers to unpick their seasonal narrative. Therefore, when watching the crowds arrive for the show, an observer will not be looking for classic chic.

Words by Tony Glenville

Many pieces from previous collections were in evidence both top to toe and worn with more classic pieces. Bold and faithful followers twirled for the cameras as they arrived and revealed their looks to the waiting cameras. Even in the blazing heat this season, dressing up in the designer’s clothes are for many an essential both to parade their faithfulness to the house and to show off. Blushing wallflowers have no place either at the show or wearing Viktor and Rolf.

Gaultier vintage, Jordan Roth and Fan Bing Bing all showed up outside the venue, and all looked amazing. Cellotape and Elli offer us a glimpse of the mood and atmosphere of the moment. The glamour of Paris couture transcends the decades, from the earliest days watchers were frantic to know, who was there, what were they wearing, and what from earlier seasons had grabbed their attention and persuaded them to part with their money.

The crowds outside the shows this season were not daunted by the heat, the security or the professional photographers chasing the guests. Likewise, the invitees were happy to pause, pose and play for the cameras. It is not just a game, these guests fuel pages both digitally and in print, we want to know, and we want to analyse their choices. It is a game but a truly delightful one, where fashion, the famous, the unknown, street style, elegance, and quirkiness all merge into a moment. So, share the moment with us.