Paris Fashion Week for fall/winter 2026 concluded with a focus on designers' follow-up collections amid a tense geopolitical backdrop. Matthieu Blazy's second ready-to-wear show for Chanel drew widespread acclaim, while trends like pink tones and thigh-high boots emerged across runways. Celebrities and innovative sets added to the event's buzz in the French capital.
Paris Fashion Week fall/winter 2026, held in early March, shifted from debut collections to follow-ups, creating an abundant season as noted by Vogue. The event unfolded against conflict in Iran and the wider Middle East, prompting varied responses from designers. Pascal Morand, executive president of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, stated: “There were no cancellations. Fashion week continued as planned. It is a major economic and cultural event that has been months in the making.”
Matthieu Blazy's sophomore ready-to-wear collection for Chanel, shown on Monday night at the Grand Palais with colorful cranes as set pieces, solidified his vision. Vogue Runway contributor Tiziana Cardini said: “Chanel was the best show of the season. Such joy. Fashion has the power to make us dream — but at Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel, you actually wear the dream.” Alix Morabito of Galeries Lafayette praised the knitwear and low waists echoing Gabrielle Chanel's era. The collection debuted in boutiques on March 5, sparking insider excitement, per Nicole Phelps.
Other highlights included Jonathan Anderson's second womenswear show for Dior in the Jardin des Tuileries, featuring a pool of water lilies and relaxed attitudes. Michael Rider's third collection for Celine earned acclaim for its chic, effortless styling. Sarah Burton's third for Givenchy focused on tailoring and femininity. Pieter Mulier's final Alaïa show emphasized minimalism.
Trends featured romantic lace at Saint Laurent and McQueen, latex at Loewe, power shoulders at Mugler and Givenchy, dropped waists at Chanel and Dior, pink hues across collections, and thigh-high boots in styles from equestrian at Hermès to slouchy at Balenciaga. Black dominated, symbolizing hope amid void, as Cardini noted. Sets impressed, like Louis Vuitton's abstracted nature at the Louvre and Miu Miu's woodland at Palais d’Iéna.
Celebrities attended, including Oprah Winfrey at Chloé and Chanel, Zendaya at Louis Vuitton with a rumored wedding ring, and Stella McCartney's show with 12 dancing horses honoring the Chinese year of the horse. Some designers addressed global issues: Rick Owens' notes prayed for “love and hope,” Gabriela Hearst wore a “Save the children” T-shirt, and Junya Watanabe displayed “May peace prevail in the world.”
