Paris, a city synonymous with fashion, has once again solidified its title as the ultimate arena for style and innovation. This year’s Spring/Summer 2026 Fashion Week unfolded against the iconic silhouette of the sparkling Eiffel Tower, setting the stage for a breathtaking celebration of creativity. The city was ablaze with energy as emerging talents and seasoned industry legends came together in a vivid showcase of artistry.
Amidst the buzz, visionary creative directors made their highly anticipated debuts at some of the world’s most esteemed fashion houses, marking this season as one for the history books. Jonathan Anderson unveiled his women’s ready-to-wear collection at Dior, while Glenn Martens captivated audiences with his innovative vision for Maison Margiela. The dynamic duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez stepped into their new roles at Loewe, infusing the brand with vibrant, youthful energy. Over at Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli unveiled his distinct vision, while Matthieu Blazy made a spectacular first impression with his debut collection for Chanel.
In this round-up, we unpack this whirlwind of glamour and creativity by debutantes and a slew of other runway shows that stood out.
Schiaparelli
Courtesy: Schiaparelli
Schiaparelli’s ready-to-wear collection for SS26, titled Dancer In The Dark, debuted at the Centre Pompidou, where Daniel Roseberry ingeniously transformed the runway into a whimsical museum experience. The collection exhibited a meticulous interplay of tension and precision, with sharply tailored jackets and sleek column gowns, presented in a disciplined palette of black, beige, and crimson, each silhouette echoing the rigours of haute couture.
Dior
Courtesy: Dior
Jonathan Anderson breathed new life into the iconic Parisian fashion house like never before. It was a visual feast that combined Adam Curtis’ intrigued mash-up of Dior’s extensive archives, thrilling Hitchcock classics, and the quirkiness of ‘60s B-movies – all intricately woven into a single narrative. Among the highlights was a bold sculptural dress crafted from cascading silk bows, alongside innovative takes on the classic Bar jacket, boldly reimagined in various styles and complemented by multi-pleated cargo shorts. This showcase masterfully blends Dior’s rich heritage with Anderson’s whimsical twist, signalling a compelling intriguing evolution in the brand’s narrative.
Loewe
Courtesy: Loewe
Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez ushered in a vibrant new era for Loewe, presenting a collection bursting with bold primary colours and infectious energy. Their debut marked a shift from cerebral concepts to pure, unfiltered joy, opening with a striking yellow-and-red Ellsworth Kelly painting that instantly set the tone. The collection paid homage to Loewe’s Spanish roots and masterful leather craftsmanship, featuring scuba-slick moulded jackets, towel-textured mini dresses, and double-visor caps that married playfulness with precision. Sculpted tank dresses and feather-light leather jeans further captured the spirit of summer, balancing carefree beachside ease with artisanal sophistication.
Saint Laurent
Courtesy: Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent opened Paris Fashion Week with a breathtaking spectacle under the stars at the Eiffel Tower. Anthony Vaccarello showcased his signature aesthetic – razor-sharp tailoring, fluid silhouettes, and sensual minimalism – in a collection that balanced strength and seduction. Structured, strong-shouldered jackets met slinky asymmetrical dresses, while oversized leather bombers paired effortlessly with sheer fabrics, creating a dialogue between power and allure. As models glided through a garden of white hydrangeas, framed by hedges sculpted into the YSL logo and the Eiffel Tower shimmering in the background, the silhouettes perfectly illustrated Vaccarello’s vision of modern femininity.
Balenciaga
Courtesy: Balenciaga
Pierpaolo Piccioli made an awe-inspiring debut for Balenciaga, reinvigorating the brand’s signature aesthetic with a new twist. Think enchanting princess-style skirts, elegantly draped gowns adorned with lavish feather trims, and chic long leather gloves that scream sophistication. The collection burst to life with imaginative 3D embellishments, all paired with striking, oversized visor-like shades that exuded a futuristic vibe. Platform flip-flops and stylish logo belts add a playful edge, while new interpretations of the iconic City Bag capture the essence of modern luxury.
Stella McCartney
Courtesy: Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney made a striking statement at Paris Fashion Week, presenting her collection at the iconic Centre Pompidou, emphasising a holistic approach to fashion that prioritises unity for humans, animals, and the planet. The collection exemplified a synthesis of masculine tailoring and fluid femininity, utilising conscious and cruelty-free materials. Key pieces included utilitarian cargo minis, wide-leg trousers, innovative pieces like FEVVERS, a plant-based feather alternative, and PURE TECH, a fabric that neutralises air pollutants. Each design reflected McCartney’s vision of fashion as both ethical and forward-thinking, proving that sustainability and style can exist in perfect balance.
Courrèges
Courtesy: Courrèges
Courrèges Spring/Summer 2026, envisioned by Nicolas Di Felice, explored the journey of sunlight from dawn to blazing zenith. The collection transitioned from cool tones and precise archival influences to fluid silhouettes and striking translucencies. Noteworthy pieces included mini skirts skilfully reimagined in heritage checks, swimsuits restructured into elegant dresses, and safari jackets crafted from innovative plant-based vinyl. The palette, inspired by the warm hues of sunset, infused the collection with a radiant, almost ethereal energy, perfectly capturing Courrèges’ new-age yet timeless sensibility.
Louis Vuitton
Courtesy: Louis Vuitton
Nicolas Ghesquière captured hearts backstage with his playful take on home fashion, declaring, “It’s fun to dress up at home too.” The collection masterfully balanced intimacy with elevated luxury, celebrating the joy of dressing within the comforts of one’s own space. Teddy-bear textures, bathrobe-inspired outerwear, and fuzzy knits brought warmth and whimsy, while toga-like dresses exuded a charm that was at once playful and serene. With this collection, everyday wear was transformed into something extraordinary and “domestic dressing” became an aspirational pursuit, inviting everyone to revel in the joy of dressing up, even in the comfort of their own space.