Paris Fashion Week Starts with a Groundbreaking Edition

This Monday marked the start of Paris Women’s Fashion Week, showcasing emerging talents alongside a spectacular show from Saint Laurent. With upcoming highlights from renowned designers like Dior, Chanel, and Loewe, all under new creative leadership, this edition is shaping up to be a “historic” experience. The event will witness around a hundred fashion houses unveil their spring-summer 2026 collections until October 7th.

This particular week is especially significant, following notable transitions in several high-profile brands. Over a dozen new designers have joined the ranks, aiming to rejuvenate the luxury sector that’s currently navigating economic challenges. “It’s a historic fashion week,” commented Claire Thomson-Jonville, the editorial director of Vogue France, during an interview with AFP.

Star-Studded Kickoff

The event opened with Victor Weinsanto and Belgian designer Julie Kegels. Kegels, in her debut on the official runway, showcased a collection featuring sheer fabrics combined with satin and gleaming accents, all in a pastel color scheme.

Her show took place beneath the Parisian aerial metro and attracted notable attendees like Spanish singer Rosalía. Among her signature looks were thong socks, recognizable for their heel-exposing design, held together by a toe strap.

Later that evening, Saint Laurent turned heads in the Trocadero gardens, with Anthony Vaccarello unveiling a new collection against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. The guest list included celebrities like Madonna, Carla Bruni Sarkozy, and Renée Zellweger.

The collection featured dramatic dresses with ruffles, see-through trench coats, and striking designs predominantly in black or brown leather. The outfit styles included straight skirts and oversized jackets, richly hued in shades of blue, red, or deep orange, beautifully contrasting with white hydrangeas that artfully spelled out the brand’s initials, YSL.

Additionally, L’Oréal Paris hosted an open-to-the-public fashion show at the town hall square in central Paris, showcasing its most famous advocates. The lineup included iconic figures such as Jane Fonda—wearing silver with a raised fist—Andie MacDowell, Eva Longoria, Viola Davis, Kendall Jenner, and Ariana Greenblatt.

High Expectations Ahead

Looking ahead, one of the most awaited events is Matthieu Blazy’s debut collection for Chanel, scheduled for October 6. Blazy, a 41-year-old Franco-Belgian designer, previously headed Bottega Veneta and now steps in for Virginie Viard, who has directed the brand since 2019 after Karl Lagerfeld.

Moreover, Jonathan Anderson will debut his first women’s collection for Dior on October 1st. The 41-year-old has spent 11 years revitalizing the historic Spanish brand Loewe, which he previously directed.

Loewe is also set for a significant reveal, with American designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez at the helm, taking over after Anderson. The duo, known for founding the successful New York-based brand Proenza Schouler, faces high expectations following Anderson’s achievements that turned Loewe into a leading force in both sales and design.

With roots dating back to 1846 in Madrid, Loewe blends craftsmanship and modernity, consistently attracting A-list stars like Timothée Chalamet, Pedro Almodóvar, and Tilda Swinton, many of whom have become the brand’s ambassadors.