Men's Latest Obsession with Ancient Rome Hits the Runway at PFW 2023

Paco Rabanne's ready-to-wear show during Paris Fashion Week opened doors to a new type of luxury. Inspired by Ancient Rome, the Spanish fashion house's new collection can suggest ideals of femininity and power in a male-dominated society.

Designer Julien Dossena developed thirty-four looks inspired by Roman times, including gladiator sandals, wrist bracelets, and long skirts with lots of drapes and shine. Focusing heavily on silver and gold metallics and classic black, Dossena implements new techniques into the craftsmanship of this new but ancient-inspired collection. 

Not only can Rabanne's looks inspire our more luxurious outfits, but it can also connect to a new trend going around in our favorite app. TikTok's latest trend reveals that many men often think about the Roman Empire and the idea of conquering. 

But why are guys still so obsessed with the Roman Empire centuries after its fall? 

According to @themasculineedge on TikTok, "Men inherently have the need to conquer, we always have and we always will. We need and seek it, so if we don't have that, we'll imagine it."

The Washington Post also explains that "Western societies have historically overemphasized the aspects of Roman history that are associated with masculinity in the popular imagination"

Many media outlets have covered the story of the #romanempiretrend, such as the Today Show and Teen Vogue. The Today Show brings attention to Ryan Reynolds' participation in the trend. On September 23rd, the actor posted a selfie to social media with the caption "just thinking 'bout the Roman Empire." 

One can even say that Dossena was on top of current social media trends and that the two are interlinked. This might be a bit (or a lot) of a stretch, but it's undeniable that the fashion industry is now more influenced by social media than ever.  

In an interview with The Washington Post, historian Hannah Cornwell said that gladiators have a long association with masculinity and power, and again, the idea of conquering. 

Rabanne's ready-to-wear collection can be interpreted as a juxtaposition to the ideas of masculinity and power historically associated with the gladiators, therefore emphasizing the power that women really have.

What do you think about Paco Rabanne’s PFW inspiration? Leave a comment below.