Paris haute couture leaps into the 21st century

Vetements’ revolutionary show, held in a department store, saw weird and wonderful display from alt-thinking label

Disruption is a vogue-ish word as overused in the modern fashion industry as “iconic” was in the last decade. But when evening wear at Paris haute couture fashion week means pink velour Juicy Couture palazzo pants worn with a promotional T-shirt for lager rather than ball gowns, then disruption is definitely happening.

The invitation to join the haute couture schedule extended to the alternative design collective Vetements, whose previous show featured Kanye West on the front row and repurposed Justin Bieber tour merchandise on the catwalk, is nothing short of revolutionary. Paris haute couture, which until now has maintained a defiantly pre-revolution Versailles image – think organza and corsetry – has taken a leap into the 21st century.