Last month, attendees gathered at Les Invalides in Paris for Jonathan Anderson’s debut show for Dior, where the atmosphere was notably solemn. Celebrities, editors, and executives sat in quiet anticipation within the historic venue.
In contrast, a lively crowd of students, writers, and tourists filled a nearby bar, engaging in animated discussions and reactions as each of Mr. Anderson’s designs was unveiled. This gathering was organized by Elias Medini, a 26-year-old fashion commentator known as Lyas, who had not received an invitation to the Dior show.
Feeling disappointed, Mr. Medini decided to host a watch party at Le Saint Denis, a cafe in Paris’s 10th Arrondissement. He invited the public via social media, bringing his own TV and arranging seating for attendees. To his surprise, nearly 300 people attended, creating an informal and accessible atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the exclusivity of traditional fashion shows.
Mr. Medini expressed his desire to make fashion more approachable, stating, “Real people react to art, but fashion people don’t.” He aimed to break down barriers and invite new audiences into the fashion conversation.
Having grown up in Rouen, France, Mr. Medini often felt like an outsider in the fashion world. He began posting unfiltered reaction videos during the pandemic, which garnered attention from brands. However, he soon realized that honesty about his opinions was often discouraged within the industry.
After a particularly disappointing Dior show last September, he posted a critical review, which led to concerns about being blacklisted by LVMH, Dior’s parent company. Although he was not invited to Mr. Anderson’s show due to the brand's decision to exclude influencers, he faced repercussions from his review, including being let go from his role at Interview magazine.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Medini viewed the watch party as a way to reclaim space for fashion fans. Attendees found the experience enjoyable and inclusive, with many expressing appreciation for the opportunity to connect with others who share their interests.
The concept of watch parties for fashion shows is not new, with previous events organized by various fashion organizations. However, Mr. Medini’s approach stood out due to its grassroots nature, lacking corporate sponsorship and polish. He has received offers from brands to host similar events but intends to maintain control over the format and location.
Looking ahead, Mr. Medini plans to host another watch party for Matthieu Blazy’s debut at Chanel and is considering expanding the concept to other cities, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in his events.