Paris Haute Couture Week Spring/Summer 2026 transformed the French capital into an epicenter of sartorial innovation, where legendary fashion houses unveiled visionary new directions under fresh creative leadership. The exclusive four-day event, featuring only 13 select houses, became a stage for both debut collections and poignant tributes, witnessed by front rows filled with international celebrities including Dua Lipa, Nicole Kidman, Rihanna, and the Beckhams.
Chanel’s newly appointed chief designer Matthieu Blazy presented his highly anticipated debut collection within the glass-domed Grand Palais, transformed into an enchanted forest with pink weeping willows and oversized toadstools. The Franco-Belgian designer embarked on a conceptual journey to ‘probe and explore the heart of Chanel,’ deliberately stripping away iconic signatures like tweed and jeweled buttons. Instead, Blazy introduced innovative fabrics and treatments while establishing feathers as a unifying motif throughout the collection. His show notes revealed avian inspiration ranging from common pigeons to rare roseate spoonbills, creating what he described as magical appearances of ‘all kinds of birds.’
Simultaneously, Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson made his couture debut for Dior with an equally nature-inspired presentation at the Rodin Museum. Anderson confronted the intimidation of working against ‘people who are in the history books’ by rejecting formulaic approaches, stating ‘My Dior is never going to be a formula, because my brain doesn’t work like that.’ His collection featured floaty silhouettes under a canopy of flowers, with models navigating a mirrored runway while wearing floral earrings and carrying nature-themed accessories including a ladybird-shaped bag and a clutch sprouting artificial grass. The palette centered on monochrome designs punctuated by bursts of orange, ice blue, and pink.
The week also featured emotionally significant moments, including Armani Privé’s first presentation since the passing of founder Giorgio Armani. Overseen by his niece Silvana, the collection maintained classic Armani aesthetics with ‘a touch of originality’ through dreamy pastels in mint green and baby pink, featuring bejewelled satin trouser suits and sparkling evening gowns.
Valentino presented a particularly bold collection just days after the death of its founder, Valentino Garavani. Creative director Alessandro Michele created a high-concept experience where guests observed designs through a ‘kaiserpanorama’ viewing station, peeking into an alternative universe featuring signature batwing gowns in the house’s iconic red from sixty years prior. The collection emphasized lace, feathers, and embellishments with models styled as showgirls.
Lebanese designer Elie Saab returned to his roots with ‘Golden Summer Nights of ’71,’ offering warmth against the Parisian chill through a palette of blush pinks, bronzes, and desert tones. The maximalist presentation featured excessive beading, ball gowns, and metallic fabrics reflecting Saab’s Beirut heritage.
The event also recognized fashion contributions through ceremonies, including Victoria Beckham being awarded Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, attended by three of her children and Anna Wintour. Throughout the week, the Vogue global editorial director joined celebrities including Tilda Swinton and John Galliano on front rows, observing how new creative voices are redefining fashion’s most prestigious houses while honoring their legacies.