At Paris Fashion Week Watch Parties, Fashion Is a Spectator Sport

PARIS — As the fashion industry hands the reins to a new generation of designers, the role of fashion critic is rapidly evolving, too.

Once restricted to an elite group of editors sitting in the front row at runway shows, critiquing collections has become a spectator sport, with millions delivering instant verdicts online. That has triggered a lively debate about the impact of free speech in a business known for meticulous image control.

In Paris, fashion-show watch parties organized by self-described “fashion agitator” Lyas drew more than 13,000 people to sustainable fashion accelerator hub La Caserne.

Preceded by events in London and Milan, his eight-day La Watchparty festival featured livestreams from brands including Dior, Chanel, Saint Laurent, Courrèges and Balenciaga on a gian