Yves Saint Laurent Desert Fashion Show in Morocco Sparks Environmental Controversy

The Yves Saint-Laurent men’s fashion show took place in the Agafay desert on July 15th. It was attended by more than 300 journalists, TikTokers and celebrities, including Catherine Deneuve, Béatrice Dalle and Finn Wolfhard (actor from "Stranger Things" and brand ambassador), who arrived by private jets and vans. But the installation has sparked debate and even shocked internet users, reports Sud Ouest.

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Construction of a 6-kilometer road, erection of oversized infrastructure (several 35-meter-high buildings, a technical control room, a VIP lounge, all covered with mirror panels), construction of a pool filled with nearly 500 m³, to accommodate the catwalk, creation of a monumental and luminous 12-ton ring. Kering has invested heavily in the organization of this fashion show in a desert region.

This did not fail to elicit a reaction from Cerveaux non disponibles, a space dedicated to the news of social and climate struggles through content. It published a 15-minute video on this fashion show that it describes as the "fashion show of shame" because of its environmental impact. For its part, Kering assures that it organized this extraordinary show in strict compliance with the group’s "2025 sustainable development strategy".

According to Kering, greenhouse gas emissions have been calculated and are offset by forest conservation projects; the equipment specially created for the show can be rented, reused, recycled or donated to local associations; the water from the oasis (non-potable) is intended to irrigate the olive trees in the Agafay region.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxHmR6kEL4k