Following a high-profile runway show at the Palais de Tokyo for Paris Fashion Week, designer Juozas Statkevičius expressed frustration over a lack of domestic backing from Lithuania while outlining ambitious plans to present his next collections on international stages.
Juozas Statkevičius Presents High Fashion Collection in Paris
Last week in the French capital, Juozas Statkevičius presented his spring-summer 2027 high fashion collection at the Palais de Tokyo complex. The event drew dedicated attendees from across borders, with supporters traveling from distant cities just to witness the showcase for a single evening.
The designer acknowledged his supporters on social media, highlighting the reach of his audience. There were people who came from Chicago for a single evening. Also from Riga, from Venice. From everywhere, everywhere,
Statkevičius recounted in an online video log, expressing gratitude to the international attendees, friends, and private sponsors who made the journey. He observed that doors in Paris are gradually beginning to open for his work on his third time showing there, despite it marking his fifth presentation overall.
Criticism of Domestic Support and Cultural Recognition
Despite the reception in Paris, the designer voiced sharp discontent regarding what he perceives as indifference from his home country. In his post-show reflections, he argued that his creative work puts Lithuania on the global fashion map while receiving minimal institutional backing at home. He specifically thanked all the models, hairdressers, makeup artists, and international sponsors involved.
We are making Lithuania famous, but Lithuania couldn't care less. Well, what can you do. Such is our culture. Nothing. I do it for my own pleasure. This is my life. Juozas
Statkevičius emphasized that he operates on a much tighter financial scale than competitors arriving from heavily funded markets, stating that he aims to embed Lithuanian culture firmly within the European style landscape. He asserted in another post: The only one in the Baltic countries! Thanks to my talent, Lithuania appeared on the global fashion map. That is a fact.
He also questioned what might be achieved if Lithuania were to contribute financially.
Viral Backstage Interview and Future Aspirations in Milan
Following the presentation, a backstage conversation between the designer and content creator known online as La Journaliss began spreading rapidly across social media platforms. Visibly fatigued yet buoyant from the crowd reaction, Statkevičius remarked on the positive energy of the audience: I am very tired, but happy. All the people are very happy, that is the most important thing.
He stated his desire to present Lithuanian culture to the people of Paris and open Lithuania to the entire world, and upon learning the interviewer was Afro-Italian, he replied Che bello
and mentioned that Sicily holds a special place in his heart.
The interview sparked considerable online commentary from public figures and viewers alike—including reactions from Merūnas and Erika Vitulskiai, Aušra Štukytė, Romas Zabarauskas, and Violeta Tarasovienė—amplifying discussions about national representation in European arts. During the exchange, the designer also looked ahead to new geographic targets, sharing a clear ambition to stage a future collection in Milan.