Fashion Director Rajni Jacques Talks Diversity at PFW
I landed in Paris on a rainy Wednesday. It rained practically every day with the exception of two days when the sun decided to make an appearance. But rain would not deter my love for this gorgeous city. Paris is the city I look to for an abundance of inspiration. And once again, Paris delivered. Designers were all about showcasing individuality and stepping away from the ordinary. Even though I would have loved a more political stance in the City of Lights, I understood that the designers are creatives who use their voice to push boundaries and create a conversation around individuality. And anyway, New York hit the nail on the head by bringing politics to the runway, and making sure we all stay woke AF. Paris was an adventure all its own, with a plethora of OMG moments. A list of the 10 most noteworthy takeaways, ahead.
Kirstin Sinclair1/8As a woman of color you are met with many stereotypes and assumptions about you, just based on melanin. Historically, our exquisite beauty was undervalued, and we were rarely celebrated for our features. These past couple of years, strides have been made — but there is still a ways to go. As a woman of color who works in the fashion world, I'm aware that being a director encourages so many young women who never thought they they could be in this position. If you see someone that looks like you on the pages of the magazine or in roles that were systematically closed off to you, it inspires hope, courage, and drive to reach for the stars. That ceiling has been broken and I feel humbled that now, I can enter. It is important to represent and show that because I have a seat here, therefore we all can have a seat here.
Diversity goes beyond color. Color was the first frontier, but now we need to see more representation for every, single marginalized group. I want to see healthier bodies, cultures being appreciated and not appropriated, and much more. Fashion needs to be more inclusive. And we are the ones to demand it.
Estrop2/8Diversity is always key:
I can not stress enough the power of diversity. Having a seat at the table ensures that every woman is included in the conversation. This season, Dries Van Noten, Miu Miu, and Vivienne Westwood — just to name a few — casted women of all colors and ages. I would love for this to keep going.
Dominique Charriau3/8Fashion Week is the new Coachella:
On Wednesday, my first show was not until 7:00 pm. I thought it was going to be a quiet, mellow day. So, off I went to the Lemaire show, and then to Kenzo where they were serving up dinner and a presentation. There was a stage plopped in the middle of the venue which prompted whispers about who the secret performer would be. Everyone was guessing. I had to run to the H&M show, so I asked the Kenzo PR rep, “What’s the deal?” She whispered “Lauryn Hill.” I said, “What time? I’m running to H&M and I’ll be right back.”
Fifteen minutes later, I’m sitting at H&M and there’s also a stage. Hmmm. What is it with stages on this quiet Wednesday night? Long story short, after the last model made her turn on the runway, The Weeknd sauntered out on stage and gave us a mini-concert. Four songs deep, I get a text from my friend back at Kenzo, which read “She is about to come on in ten minutes.” So I get in an Uber, race back to Kenzo and walk in as Ms. HIll starts doing her thing. And the next night, Solange performs at Chloe. Damn it was a good two days.
Bertrand Rindoff Petroff4/8Nicki Minaj went all Lil Kim on us:
My first show was Haider Ackerman at 10:00 AM. At this hour, you never think you’re going to see anything out of the ordinary — even during Paris Fashion Week. But everyone who walked into the show that morning was in for a surprise as soon as Miss Minaj walked in. There was a universal gasp as she strutted to the front row wearing baggy leather shorts, criss-cross, open-toed boot heels, and a one-shoulder top that exposed her breast. Think Lil Kim at the MTV Awards. The best part? Her front row seat mates Lou Doillon and Caroline de Maigret played it totally cool.
Estrop5/8Last season's Balenciaga boots were street style hits:
Street style is an integral part of the fashion landscape. And what you wear can propel you into street style stardom. The It bag or shoe can make your outfit instantly street-style worthy, and this season it was Demna’s over-the-knee boot in hot pink and purple that stole the show.
PATRICK KOVARIK6/8Chanel does it again:
Chanel is known for their amazing sets and Mr. Lagerfeld delivered by creating a NASA-like environment in the Grand Palais. And a rocket ship sat right in the middle of it all. I can only imagine how many hours it took to build it. When the models did their final walk, the ship took off — smoke, fire, and all!
Vittorio Zunino Celotto7/8Fenty x Puma was everything and more:
Yes, I am a Rihanna fan but that isn't the only reason this show made my list. First, it took place in a beautiful library (and the rumor is that the producers had to fly in 1 million books to decorate the set). Second, the clothes and the shoes were just divine — I need those fisher over-the-knee boots! Third, the price point makes it accessible to everyone. And lastly, Rihanna. Enough said.
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