Everything You Need to Know About Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026
Paris, the city of lights, love, and fashion!
Paris Fashion Week, one of the most iconic and prestigious “Big Four” fashion presentations of the year, recently took place from September 29th to October 7th for the Spring/Summer 2026 collection.
The series of high-profile runway shows featuring top brands from the classic Chanel look to the bold elegance of Christian Dior truly made its mark with these Spring/Summer lines.
Here is the official rundown of the iconic runway shows, buzzing headlines, and the visionaries behind the scenes in case you missed it!
What is it?
Paris Fashion Week is a series of runway shows presenting top fashion brands. It occurs twice a year across multiple venues within Paris. Due to the city’s strong influence on fashion, Paris presents itself as the perfect host. The Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) is the governing body that sets the dates and plans the entirety of the event.
Paris Fashion Week is recognized as an exclusive showcase that brings together fashion muses from all over the world with a multitude of different styles. It marks the beginning of a new season of style and fashion, setting itself as the trendsetter and reassertion of expression, creativity, with no limits.
The runways for the Spring/Summer lines included men’s fashion, women's ready-to-wear, and haute couture, which can also be characterized by their more exclusive style of garments and staple, one-of-a-kind looks not suited for everyday wear.
Here were some of the most unforgettable moments that really turned heads and electrified the runway.
Chanel
Chanel once again set the stage with its luxurious presence. Models flaunted the staple Chanel tweed jacket, which dates back to the 1950s, with a surprising pop of avant-garde influence.
Chanel designer Matthieu Blazy expressed his vision of reinstating the universal Chanel look while also incorporating a literal universal design aspect: the solar system. By utilizing materials such as wool, cotton, and golden wheat, the designs encapsulated planets in the Milky Way, reflecting along the dark runway.
And who could forget the appearance of Chanel’s iconic Global Ambassador, Nicole Kidman, nailing the staple cashmere jeans?
Christian Dior
“Do not dare enter…the House of Dior?”
These were the very words that were projected on a giant screen amid the Dior presentation. New design director Jonathon Anderson truly took Dior to new heights, combining a documentary and storytelling style with the physical art of fashion.
This presentation style of horror mixed with composure worked well with the womenswear collection, with a variety of different pieces ranging from chic blouses to chiffon fabrics, bubble dresses, and risqué laces.
But what caught the eyes of many was the reinvention of the renowned Bar Jacket. The Bar Jacket has been a staple piece of the Dior collection, known for its constantly shifting look throughout the seasons. During the show, audience members were captivated by its shrunken baby doll silhouette, reflecting Anderson’s redefinition of design.
Celine
Vibrant, extensive, and full of spirit— these are only a few words to describe Celine’s unforgettable ensemble. The pieces, situated with a natural backdrop of trees and forestation, truly encapsulated the brand’s youthful and playful vision.
Celine’s menswear and womenswear featured a spectrum of different designs and styles. The floral prints, rigid blazers, and tailored accessories brought a magical and fairytale-like start to their summer line.
Creative director Michael Rider ensured that audience members would see visions of light and motion expressed through the pieces. The consistent appearance of accessories on each model showcased Rider’s narrative of tension and nostalgia, including the memories that stay with us while wearing them.
Mugler
Mugler took audience members to the faraway lands of the desert. The sandy and cream-colored collection alongside the model’s hourglass silhouettes radiated true class. Through his “Stardust Aphrodite” collection, creative director Miguel Freitas upheld Thierry Mugler’s legacy of combining media with fashion.
The elegant trench coats, vinyl skirts, and big furs paid tribute to the lavish and timeless Hollywood fashion.
What’s the Buzz?
Proactiveness in Fashion
One of the most prominent components of Paris Fashion Week was the critiques and conversations surrounding flamboyant fashion choices. Recent reports of lip-stretching mouth guards at Maison Margiela and an abundance of sheerness amid Rick Owens' presentations have left many wondering whether there should be boundaries within fashion.
Are these scandalous measures a reflection of bold art or a simple way for designers to create buzzing headlines?
Commercial vs. Creativity
Over the past decade, companies everywhere have been shifting from unique and vivid trademarks to minimalistic designs. In the 21st century, we have seen this transfer in the fashion world, with the ideology of 'less is more'.
During Paris Fashion Week, fans observed that brands are fighting to keep their minimalist style with hints of abstract features, disconnecting them from overt expression and creativity.
Yet, there was once a time when runways reflected an array of contrasting colors, distinctive patterns, and themes. Is it all mixing into one, or has the new decade of fashion brought new change with more simplicity?
Importance
Events such as Paris Fashion Week mark important progress in the fashion industry. It shows that fashion is more than just a brand name or popularity. It’s an art that tells a story, makes a statement, and expresses creativity and competition without limits. Before big names and trendy pieces, there were ideas, people, sketches, and most importantly, purpose.
