Topless Models Storm the Runway in Paris

Imaginary mood board: Pablo Picasso’s Marie-Thérèse, Face and Profile, 1931 + Huckleberry Finn = Jacquemus Fall/Winter 2015

Going topless is not that big a deal in France. Moms hit the beach with their sons and in nothing but a string bikini bottom (if that). So when the first model hit the Jacquemus runway in super wide white trousers, bare feet, a paper mask obscuring her face, and nothing else, there was very little to get excitable about. At least in terms of the shock factor. The question that this reporter had was, where were the clothes? Was this not a Fall collection? Sorry, honey, but it doesn’t matter what tribe you run with, you can’t wear that outfit out on a balmy evening in September. Unless, of course, you live in the tropics, in which case, enjoy!

Earlier in the day, when the invite for this show arrived, there was a trio of pressed leaves nestled inside the envelope. There has been an influx of design elements derived from nature this season, but Jacquemus’s overt attempts at being au naturel were more animalistic and tribal. There was a Lord of the Fashion Flies-like quality to his show. They were bare-chested, faceless, and shoeless in a brightly lit but decrepit space. A smattering of the models also had faces painted on to the side of their own visages. They were all hiding behind one mask or another.

It was a puzzling collection and the surrealist makeup, while a nice touch, was a bit distracting. And so was the dress at the end that was designed in the shape of a giant hand. Exposed breasts, surrealist hands, and bare feet—welcome to fashion week in Paris!

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