CELINE Cancels Men's Show Amid Social Unrest
On July 1, CELINE announced the cancellation of their Spring/Summer 2024 Men's show, which was due to take place in Paris on July 2, 2023.
The cancellation comes in response to the death of Nahel Merzouk, a 17-year-old of North African descent, who police shot.
Since his death, rioters have burned cars, attacked hundreds of buildings — including police stations, schools, businesses, and town halls — looted supermarkets and stores, and clashed night after night for nearly a week with the police in cities around the country.
"Due to the events of recent days and to avoid any potential risk for the safety of our guests and our team, we regret to inform you that we are cancelling the CELINE Homme summer 2024 show, which was due to be held at La Gaité Lyrique this Sunday, July 2 at 8:30 p.m.," CELINE wrote in a message to its invited guests.
Hedi Slimane, CELINE creative director, uploaded a statement on the show's cancellation to his personal Instagram account.
"Having a fashion show in Paris, while France and its capital are bereaved and bruised, from my point of view alone, seems inconsiderate and totally out of place," Slimane wrote.
According to reports, over 2,100 people have been arrested, and over 700 shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and banks have been looted and some even "burnt to the ground."
CELINE is the only fashion brand to comment on the ongoing protests thus far publicly. Meanwhile, Paris Haute Couture Week is going on as planned from July 3-6.
