Fashion

Once upon a time it was men who donned high heels and make-up, Louis XIV among them. Then came the 19th century and the industrial revolution: clothing for the masses became all dull suits and ties. The following century saw an explosion in the possibilities of women's fashion. But this century it seems to be the men's turn. For young Spanish label Palomo Spain, fashion is a tool for challenging taboos. We also check out collections from Arthur Avellano, Issey Miyake, Vetements and Thom Browne.

We follow four French fashion houses over two seasons: Winter 2018 and Summer 2019. Creative director Olivier Rousteing gives Balmain a modern rock 'n' roll twist. Isabel Marant imagines a hyper-feminine, disco cowgirl. Koché's "Street Couture" style is both sophisticated and accessible. As for Céline, the brand is transformed by its artistic director Hedi Slimane. As the seasons and designers change, collections have no choice but to change with them!

Fashion is a dream! It's also one of the most polluting industries on the planet. Designers agree: they must find solutions. The summer 2019 ready-to-wear collections shown in Paris address this issue. At Chanel, the decor from the show will be recycled. Stella McCartney offers environmentally friendly clothes. But for Vivienne Westwood, political change is what's really needed. Reconciling ethics and productivity is the challenge of the future for the world of fashion.

Fashion is changing, and the 2019 spring-summer ready-to-wear collections at Paris Fashion Week prove it. Designers are rethinking the body and learning the language of new media. Christian Dior opts for modernity, with a collection that's light, fluid and liberated. For Simon Jacquemus, fashion is practical, sexy and extremely sincere. Meanwhile, the young Generation Z designers are showing optimistic, creative, and connected collections. FRANCE 24 takes you to the catwalks.

Invited by the Mediterranean House of Fashion, French designer Christelle Kocher has chosen to present her first cruise collection on a boat in Marseille, showcased by a range of unusual models. It's a collection that promotes urban elegance and comfort, inspired by a variety of cultures. In order to share her sources of inspiration, Kocher also asked a community of international artists to take over a shopping street in Marseille. FRANCE 24 takes you to check out her designs.

He's dressed the likes of Madonna and Yvette Horner, and created the wardrobes for Luc Besson's films. His winter 2018 Haute Couture collection is constructed around a single item of clothing: the iconic tuxedo. Jean Paul Gaultier tells the story of men and women who are free to express themselves, centred around a simple idea: being at ease in your own skin. FRANCE 24 takes you to check out his latest creations.

FRANCE 24 takes you to check out the latest Haute Couture collections in Paris. Chanel introduces a green wedding dress. For the first time in 15 years, it's a black model wearing it. Meanwhile, Dior interprets its own classicism in an avant-garde way with warrior princess dresses. Both fashion houses highlight their ancestral know-how and technique. Although their designs will only be worn by a handful of wealthy women, they will be copied around the world!

At the 16th edition of Senegal's Dakar Fashion Week, one thing is for sure: African fashion is experiencing an important moment. The event is the brainchild of Senegalese designer Adama. For her, the event is underpinned by the concept of pan-Africanism and is about sharing a new vision of what it means to be African today. FRANCE 24 takes you to check out the collections – including designs from South African brand Magents, which is denouncing gender violence.

Outside the Fashion Week calendar are the Cruise collections. Created in the 1920s, they were designed for wealthy clients who spent the winter in the tropics. But they also allow fashion houses to reaffirm their values, reconciling creativity and business. Dior chose to set its 2019 Cruise collection in the royal stables of France's Chantilly Castle, featuring a group of Escaramuzas, female Mexican horseback riders. FRANCE 24 takes you to check out a fashion show with a strong feminist message.

On the shores of the Mediterranean, at France's Hyères Festival, creative minds come to compete in three categories: "Clothing", "Photography" and "Accessories". These young contemporary designers are in tune with the times. They decipher social interactions, take into account hidden desires and explore the relationship between gender and identity. Designers are letting us know that fashion is becoming a real fighting tool!