Paris Fashion Week Unveils a Fresh Look for the Fashion Industry
Paris Fashion Week is set to begin on Monday, featuring shows by renowned brands like Saint Laurent and Weinsanto. This event is particularly significant, as a dozen brands will present their latest collections under newly appointed creative directors, marking a fresh wave in the luxury fashion sector. Anticipation is high for Matthieu Blazy’s debut at Chanel, which is expected to stand out as a major highlight of the Spring-Summer 2026 season.
The opening day will showcase collections from talents such as France’s Weinsanto and Belgian newcomer Julie Kegels, drawing attention from fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike. With the luxury market experiencing a slowdown in spending from affluent clients, the industry is looking to these leadership changes to rejuvenate excitement and spark sales.
“We are entering a new chapter—not just for Fashion Week, but for the fashion industry overall in the next decade,” shared Pierre Groppo, the fashion editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair France.
New Leadership
Matthieu Blazy transitions to Chanel from Kering-owned Bottega Veneta, taking on the monumental task of shifting away from the legacy of Karl Lagerfeld, who helmed the brand for decades until his passing in 2019. Following Lagerfeld, Virginie Viard was seen as a continuity choice, but now all eyes are on Blazy, who has kept his design intentions close to the vest since assuming the role.
Exciting Innovations
Another much-anticipated collection will be Jonathan Anderson’s debut women’s line for LVMH-owned Dior, scheduled for October 1. Anderson had previously wowed audiences with his men’s line in June.
Meanwhile, Pierpaolo Piccioli will step in at Balenciaga, taking over from the outspoken Demna, who has moved to Gucci. Piccioli’s recent collection for Gucci received a glamorous reception at Milan Fashion Week.
Duran Lantink will also make his mark at Jean Paul Gaultier, becoming the brand’s first permanent artistic director since its founder stepped down in 2020. Claire Thomson-Jonville, editorial director of Vogue France, opined that the influx of new creative directors symbolizes a transformative era in fashion, emphasizing inclusivity, global perspectives, and a commitment to responsible practices while honoring the brands’ heritages.
Dynamic Developments
This week promises a vibrant lineup, including Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez at Loewe, Miguel Castro Freitas at Mugler, and Mark Thomas at Carven. “This could be considered a historic Fashion Week,” Thomson-Jonville added.
Notably, some acclaimed designers will showcase their second collections, often deemed more significant than debuts. This cohort includes Sarah Burton for Givenchy, Glenn Martens for Maison Margiela, and Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford.
Alongside the new talent, established brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermes will present exciting new collections, with the return of labels such as Celine and Thom Browne ensuring a Fashion Week filled with continuous inspiration. Elvire von Bardeleben, fashion editor at Le Monde, remarked that this season promises “no downtime.”
Victoria Beckham is set to debut her latest creations on October 3, coinciding with the release of her upcoming three-part Netflix documentary.
As the luxury industry navigates challenges, including reduced demand in China and economic uncertainties, the Paris event will provide an essential platform for the evolving landscape of high fashion.
