Paris fashion week: fans beat the heat with tech and tradition

Paris is sizzling, and the city’s elite are responding with a surprising trend: a desperate race for coolness.

Handheld fans take center stage at paris fashion week

From Dior to Yoke, the runways and showrooms of Paris fashion Week were overrun with fans – not the traditional paper kind, but a dazzling array of high-tech devices and even meticulously crafted paper alternatives. Editors and buyers, battling temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, were seen clutching everything from sleek, portable cooling fans to elaborate, hand-held paddles.

A surge in demand – and a clear signal

Pinterest data reveals a staggering 60% year-on-year increase in searches for handheld and portable fans, with ‘cute mini fan’ searches spiking a remarkable 141% since June 2025. ‘Electric hand fan’ searches jumped 133%, while ‘mini fan snap’ saw a 117% increase. European wholesalers are responding, ordering fans at a rate more than three times higher than air conditioning units, according to Alibaba.

More than just utility: a new status symbol

Stylus’ Emily Gordon-Smith argues that consumers are shifting their perception of fans – moving beyond mere utility to embrace them as desirable accessories. ‘They’re becoming like water bottles and headphones,’ she explains, ‘functional but something people want to be proud to carry publicly.’ This shift is driving demand for premium, aesthetically-driven tech, rather than cheap, quick fixes.

Tech takes center stage

Brands are investing heavily in innovation, developing luxurious cooling solutions. Jisulife’s Pro 1 Mini, currently trending on TikTok, represents a significant step up in technology, while SharkNinja’s ChillPill combines fan, mist, and instant-cooling features. Dyson’s HushJet Mini Cool, which sold out within hours of its US launch, exemplifies this trend, demonstrating the potential for compact, high-performance devices integrated into everyday life.

A fashionable response

Beyond the tech, paper fans are experiencing a revival, with luxury brands like Dior and Harrods offering premium versions. Even retailers like Revolve are embracing the trend, selling raffia fans for $315. The bridal market is also showing interest, with brands like Gigi and Olive supplying fans for weddings and events. The collaboration between Skylrk and Dyson at Coachella offers a glimpse of how brands are integrating cooling into broader cultural trends.

Looking ahead: a hot summer continues

Experts predict that the demand for cooling devices will only continue to rise. With temperatures showing no signs of respite, brands and retailers must adapt, embracing both technical innovation and the enduring appeal of classic design. The future of cooling, it seems, is both stylish and surprisingly chilly.