Are you ready for the return of fashion's most elaborate show schedule? We hope so, because Paris couture week is back. Meaning, actual people will be allowed to attend actual shows in actual Paris, what a dream.

The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode - the organisation responsible for overseeing the fashion industry in France - announced the news on May 11, stating, “Depending on the evolution of the sanitary situation, the physical events may welcome guests in accordance with a specific health protocol and conform to measures determined by public authorities.”

WWD reports that Chanel is the only show that has confirmed live guests, but we will imagine others will follow suit, especially Kerby Jean-Raymond's Pyer Moss, which was officially added to the couture week schedule after being invited by the Fédération - making it a historical moment for Jean-Raymond and the pioneering brand, which will be the first Black American owned brand to ever show at couture week.

Closely following Pyer Moss, will be including Sacai designer Chitose Abe’s debut collection for Jean-Paul Gaultier, which has been postponed twice under the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside Balenciaga, which will return to couture for the first time in 50 years, since its founder, Cristóbal Balenciaga, closed the atelier in 1968.

As France readies itself to ease restrictions following its third lockdown since COVID-19 hit on May 19, we'll be waiting with bated breath to see who else confirms a real-life show. In the meantime, residents in France will be able to enjoy the opening of shops, cinemas, theatres, museums, bars, and restaurants under the decision of president Emmanuel Macron.

Couture week, which will take place between July 5-8, 2021 is undoubtedly a favourite for us at RUSSH, so we'll be covering many of the shows from afar when those runways finally open up.  What a treat.