When the fashion game is no longer just for critics.

While previously the right to comment was reserved only for renowned fashion editors sitting in the front row, now anyone can become a critic, as long as they have a social media account.

Paris Fashion Week 2025 is attracting a huge wave of comments on social media - Photo: The Fashion Spot

According to WWD magazine, the explosion of online fashion commentary and "watch parties" has sparked debate about the limits of free speech in an industry that values ​​image and reputation control like fashion.

"Anyone can become a critic."

Paris Fashion Week 2025   While it was happening, content creator Lyas (Elias Medini) organized watch parties at the center of La Caserne.

Here, thousands of people watch live shows by Dior, Chanel, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga together on a giant, laptop-like screen.

"These days, anyone can become a critic, commentator, or even a journalist—like me," Lyas shared with WWD .

According to Lefty , Lyas's show viewings attracted 34 million views and generated approximately $3.9 million in media value across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Xiaohongshu, and X (Twitter).

The engagement rate for the "watch party" organized by Lyas reached 13.5%, 13 times higher than the average for this year's fashion season.

"I want people to come to a place where they can comfortably chat, debate, and even speak their minds without feeling intimidated like, 'This event is sponsored by Dior, so I can't say that,'" Lyas said.

Audience members participating in the "watch party" not only watched, but also scanned QR codes to rate the event, went on stage to share their opinions, and engaged in lively debates like real critics - Photo: Diora Muslimova

Comments should also be made fairly.

With the democratization of fashion criticism, designers are feeling increasing pressure.

Speaking to WWD just days before the launch of Dior's first women's collection, Creative Director Jonathan Anderson likened the feeling to stepping into a "life-or-death arena."

"I've never felt so much pressure in my life… Before, loving fashion was considered stylish, but now it seems like the new trend is criticizing fashion," Anderson expressed.

Former Bottega Veneta design director Edward Buchanan even had to speak out on his personal Instagram page, urging: "Please learn more about fashion culture and history before criticizing just to get views."

I'm not talking about doing a superficial search using ChatGPT. We need to really learn. Let's play fair, everyone."

Edward Buchanan hopes that social media users will be mindful of words that could hurt others, and give designers the respect and time they need to fully concentrate on their creativity. - Photo: IGNV

Professor Benjamin Simmenauer, Director of Research at the French Fashion Institute, argues that the wave of fashion criticism on social media stems from a loss of trust in the media.

"When the public feels that mainstream reviews are too lenient or lack objectivity, they will fill that gap themselves," he said.

(From left to right) Brenda Weischer, Kim Russell, and Luke Meagher are prominent "fashion commentators" on social media - Photo: IGNV

According to German influencer Brenda Weischer, mainstream media has been "a decade behind" in catching up with this trend.

She hopes that fashion magazines can collaborate with prominent commentators, equipping them with in-depth knowledge to create fashion content that is both informative and engaging.

The wave of "liberal criticism" also brought new opportunities, making fashion more accessible and forcing the industry to be more open to the public.

As Lyas put it: "My goal is to open doors for a new generation of fashion lovers who once felt they had no place in the world ."

TRUC NHI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/khi-cuoc-choi-thoi-trang-khong-con-la-cua-rieng-gioi-phe-binh-20251104175636175.htm