There’s one accessory we’ve seen everywhere during this Haute Couture Week, and it’s not handbags, shoes, or hairpieces. It’s something much simpler but, at the same time, is proving to be absolutely indispensable—a true essential that even the fashion world couldn’t ignore. We’re talking about the fan, which, against the backdrop of the Haute Couture collections presented in Paris, has become the inseparable companion of show guests—waved between one runway show and the next and, in some cases, distributed directly by the fashion houses to the guests, as happened during the shows by Dior, Balenciaga, Elie Saab, and Jean Paul Gaultier.
We’ve seen them in the hands of stars like Deva Cassel and Teyana Taylor, but also in those of Vanessa Friedman, who shared some photos on X, noting that brands are now handing out fans “like candy.” This detail perfectly captures the atmosphere during the latest fashion weeks: after the extreme heat wave that swept through several European countries—with record temperatures showing no signs of letting up—even Haute Couture Week turned into a true test of endurance.
A challenge it passed, of course, with style. Because the fan, in addition to being a practical necessity, is one of the most elegant and iconic accessories in the history of fashion. Its origins date back thousands of years: as early as ancient Egypt, it was used as a symbol of power and prestige, while in Europe it reached its peak of splendor between the 17th and 18th centuries, becoming a true means of communication through codified gestures and movements. This comeback once again demonstrates its versatility beyond its practical function, proving itself far more chic than the small portable fans we’re now seeing more and more often on city streets.
[📸 Getty Images; IPA 📹 Instagram: mimicuttrell; YouTube: balenciaga, ElieSaabChannel, jeanpaulgaultier]
