Unexploded WWII Bomb Disrupts Train Services, Leading to Special Flight for Designers and Stylists

Paris Fashion Week, which concluded with dazzling shows from Miu Miu and YSL, was marred by a transportation crisis last Friday due to an unexploded World War II-era bomb near Gare du Nord. This discovery caused the cancellation of all 32 scheduled trains between London and Paris, leaving many fashion professionals stranded.

Among the events missed by those affected was Sarah Burton’s debut at Givenchy, but there was still hope for reaching Victoria Beckham’s show later that day. British Airways came to the rescue with an emergency flight, dispatching a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which is usually reserved for long-haul flights, to transport those who needed to get to Paris.

This special “fashion jet” was a true luxury, offering First Class cabins for the passengers—designers, stylists, and other industry professionals—who had been impacted by the disruption. One passenger described the flight as “ginormous” and “fabulous,” with 45 minutes in First Class making for an enjoyable experience despite the chaotic circumstances.

With the flight lasting just long enough to get up to altitude before turning back, the passengers were greeted with familiar faces, including renowned designer S.S. Daley. Some were still disgruntled by the delay, but others took it in stride, sharing a laugh over the exclusive nature of the flight.

Many attendees managed to make it to Victoria Beckham’s show that evening, some even arriving with their suitcases in tow. The jet was a lifeline for those determined to attend the event, showcasing how British Airways stepped in to support the fashion industry during a time of crisis.