Paris Fashion Week Men’s kicks off on Tuesday, 20 January. Four days paced by runway shows, showrooms and a succession of events where access can seem limited to a select circle of insiders. Yet, with the right points of reference, it’s entirely possible to be part of the buzz. A short guide to the places where fashion truly comes alive during PFW.
Le Marais, the beating heart of Paris Fashion Week
If there were only one neighborhood to choose, this would be it. Le Marais alone concentrates much of the energy of Paris Fashion Week. This season, Jacquemus will close Men’s Fashion Week on Sunday, 25 January, in one of his favorite venues: the Musée Picasso. The designer himself has said that his journey, mainly the launch of the Chiquito in 2017 began within these walls. Even without an invitation, the area surrounding the show becomes a prime vantage point for spotting guests.
Just a few steps away, the walk continues along rue du Temple with the highly anticipated return of Vans to Paris, now located at number 14. Further up the street, the recently opened Gentle Monster boutique. The South Korean eyewear brand catches the eye with its XXL articulated faces, strikingly lifelike. Nearby, Le Progrès brasserie turns into a true improvised front row, the perfect spot to watch the endless ballet of fashion people between appointments.
Less obvious, yet just as strategic, the 10th district stands out as a discreet but essential stop. La Caserne hosts castings and creative projects, while the Studio Paillette showroom draws those looking to rent outfits for the week. A smart way to put together a sharp look without blowing the budget.
The much-awaited return of Watch Parties
After generating real buzz in Paris, London and Milan last September, Lyas is bringing back its Watch Parties. The concept remains the same: gathering in a (still undisclosed) location to watch the runway shows live, much like following a football match. A collective way to experience Fashion Week, far removed from elitist codes.
During previous editions, some events even offered the chance to win invitations to runway shows, while models fresh off the catwalk would join the crowd to share the moment. This season, several clues dropped on social media suggest that iconic shows could be rebroadcast, adding an almost archival, heritage-like dimension to the experience.
The concept has already crossed borders, reaching as far as New York during the Métiers d’Art de Chanel show, and it continues to evolve. In collaboration with Dazed, Lyas recently organized a public photo shoot, further pursuing its ambition to make fashion more accessible to those who move within and around this creative circle.
New spots and must-visit addresses
Fashion Week is also the perfect excuse to explore new venues and revisit addresses that have become essential. Cortado, a Spanish-inspired coffee shop and bar, stands out as an ideal stop. Whether for a quick coffee or a late dinner. The spot has already welcomed Rosalía and regularly attracts the crème de la crème of the fashion scene.
L’Oursin, which has become one of the most sought-after spots since last summer, cultivates a convivial atmosphere where much more than plates are shared. Conversations often stretch late into the night, eventually spilling over to Jeannette or Mauri7, two late-night haunts prized for spotting figures from the fashion and film worlds. During the last Fashion Week, model Alex Consani and singer Charli XCX were even seen there.
For a more understated start to the evening, La Boule Rouge offers an intimate alternative. Imagined by the creator of Tempête, this restaurant tucked away near the Grands Boulevards is perfect for a first stop. The most tireless then move on to Pamela or Essaim, two addresses where the party stretches until the early hours.
Paris Fashion Week Men’s is no longer confined to runways and showrooms. It unfolds in the streets, cafés, bars and hybrid venues that make up the unofficial map of Parisian fashion. With the right points of reference, PFW becomes an experience open to all, proof that fashion thrives just as well without an invitation.
