Balenciaga

At Paris Fashion Week creative spark was scarce, but there were bolts of imagination from designers across the aesthetic spectrum, writes Angelo Flaccavento.

But the surging energy of the show ended in a strange, suspended moment, writes Tim Blanks.

These new shows are highlighting that fashion is intrinsically shaped by its social, historical and political context and are offering brands a new channel to introduce their businesses to consumers.

Sales at luxury fashion’s second-biggest group fell 4 percent in the holiday quarter, putting it significantly behind key rivals. The Gucci and Saint Laurent owner is expecting another year of lacklustre growth amid a long-term plan to push its brands upmarket.

The deal comes as the brand works to win back the support of trendsetting clients after a public relations meltdown.