Ouest AW24
We were completely jet lagged by this point of our trip and the thought of a 9:30 a.m. show on such a cold and rainy morning felt like torture. But as I looked out the window that morning, I found myself feeling sorry for the models and production who had to be there hours prior. The least I can do is to show up and enjoy the fashion. When we arrived, my colleague started the morning with the comment, "Did I just die and go to heaven?"
It was legitimately a dance club at the Ouest Paris show. We were one of the first to arrive and everybody seemed like they were getting warmed up, including all of the attendees. There was a DJ spinning and an espresso bar working non-stop. All of the models were walking around and dancing, some in small groups and some just by themselves. Many times I was very tempted to join in the festivities but I had to remember two things. One, be professional. Two, I can't dance.
Founded in 2022 by Arthur Robert, Ouest Paris presented its 5th collection for AW24. According to Robert, it all started a few months ago with a night out. Walking home after hours of dancing, in the cold morning light in the streets of Paris there was a slight haze and he put his coat on yesterday's outfit.
Ouest is an urban uniform for Paris. Workwear for work and play. Deep rooted in this collection are rancher jackets, cowboy jeans and cargo pants. Parkas appear alongside tailored jackets and double breasted coats. The Ouest signatures can be seen throughout the collection, the western clichés and denim inspired details with the cool attitudes of surfer and folk accents.
Because of Ouest Paris, I will never complain about showing up at a 9:30 a.m. show ever again. Because in this life, you never know when you will be given a moment like this. Where fun and fashion really coexist and the mood truly was to party on, for as long as possible. We were very sorry to have to leave the party, but alas, there was another show to run to.