PARIS — Cold air, lingering cigarette smoke, and the lively hum of conversation filled the atmosphere at La Caserne, a vibrant hub for emerging fashion brands located in the central 10th arrondissement. Thousands gathered in this open-air venue to catch a simulcast of Matthieu Blazy’s inaugural Chanel show, curated by fashion influencer Lyas, who has been hosting watch parties across London and Milan this season. Among the crowd were students and a sprinkling of thirty-somethings, all buzzing with anticipation.
“We’ve been waiting since noon,” exclaimed several fashion enthusiasts perched on the ground in front of the giant laptop-shaped screen, their beer bottles clinking in camaraderie.
By 8 p.m., hundreds remained tightly packed against the barricades, hoping for a chance to get inside — but those hopes went unfulfilled. “We’re at capacity,” the security guards repeated with stoic determination. A few individuals attempted to line up at the VIP entrance designated for Ms. Lyas’ friends, influencers, and some major brand executives, but that line also remained stagnant.
Those who missed out on entry lingered outside the venue, stretching their necks for a peek inside, fueled by the hope of joining the afterparty.
Lyas himself was absent from the gathering. He had secured an elusive seat at the actual Chanel show, hosted at the Grand Palais — the most sought-after invite of what had already been an unforgettable Paris Fashion Week. Blazy’s show, also simulcast on Chanel’s website, marked the conclusion of a dynamic two-week period featuring designer debuts from Gucci, Jil Sander, Versace, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, and others.
Despite the host’s absence, excitement electrified the watch party, with Lyas’ friend Amine energizing the crowd by frequently calling out, “Are you ready for Chanel?” For those fortunate enough to gain entry, the cold and queues faded away; no impatience lingered within the lively atmosphere of La Caserne.
Just after 8:30 p.m., the live feed started, showcasing celebrities such as Nicole Kidman and Pedro Pascal arriving at the Grand Palais, which sent waves of excitement through the crowd.
As the first model strode onto the runway, the chatter subsided completely. The hushed opening music cast a spell on the audience; a sea of black coats stood like statues against the chill.
The initial looks elicited no immediate reactions. A close-up of a necklace prompted one attendee to murmur, “I’m getting inspired.” When a remix of the dance classic Rhythm Is a Dancer played, a ripple of excitement surged through the crowd, but it dissipated quickly. A handful of attendees barely glanced at the screen, preferring to engage in conversations while model after model graced the runway.
Then a vibrant dress captured more enthusiastic cheers. “Isn’t that model dating… Who’s that again?” one person wondered aloud. Bolder designs sparked rounds of applause among the predominantly Gen-Z audience. While some admired Blazy’s accessories, many appeared unimpressed by the collection. “That’s… simple,” one attendee remarked as a yellow maxi dress floated by.
Yet spirits remained high; attendance was free. The entire event — from entry to drinks — was a deliberate effort to democratize a fashion show typically reserved for an elite few. After just a month of planning, this watch party series had transformed into a thrilling success, with the Chanel event marking the pinnacle.
