French Fashion industry speaks out against Paris attacks

Fashion designers have voiced their support for freedom of speech.

Jean Paul Gaultier and his staff

The French fashion industry has united and voiced its support against the attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris this week.

Designer Jean Paul Gaultier released an image of himself and his staff all holding 'Je Suis Charlie' signs.

Riccardo Tisci, Creative Director of Givenchy and Carine Roitfeld, the former editor of French Vogue both posted on their Instagram the Voltaire quote: "I might disagree with your opinion, but I am willing to give my life for your right to express it."

A photo posted by riccardotisci17 (@riccardotisci17) on Jan 7, 2015 at 2:28pm PST

Kris Van Assche, creative director of Dior Homme also shared the quote on social media and told WWD:

"Freedom of expression is a core value of our civilization and is central to any kind of creation, from comics to fashion. Beyond the horror and the shock of [Wednesday’s] dreadful news, freedom is at stake. As a citizen, as well as a creative director, I shall stand for it.”

A photo posted by Karl (@karllagerfeld) on Jan 8, 2015 at 9:46am PST

Karl Lagerfeld has also been vocal about the attacks posting an image of himself holding up a 'Je Suis Charlie' sign and telling WWD:

"It's been horrrible. I've been physically sick since [Wednesday]"

"They were very gifted people they killed, Cabu [Jean Cabut] he was incredible."

A photo posted by olivier rousteing (@olivier_rousteing) on Jan 7, 2015 at 2:26pm PST

Balmain's Olivier Rousteing posted two images to Instagram, one of which was a Eugene Delacroix painting 'Liberty Leading The People' which commemorates the July Revolution of 1830 with the caption "ALL GOOD ART IS POLITICAL."

"Today, there are some fears and a lot of sadness, but at the same time this tragedy has united people around the importance of being able to express yourself freely." Rousteing told WWD.

"I'm a French citizen. I love my country, and I never would want to see my countrymen afraid to express themselves. I am proud to see my fellow citizens affirm this basic right and happy to join with them."