The Tamesis
The world is a confusing place right now. So much so that editors at Paris Haute Couture Week debated whether content from the shows could be posted on social media so as not to come across as flippant. But the runway provided respite. “It’s when the world feels the most scared that we need beauty,” said Lauren Amos, owner and fashion client of Atlanta concept store Antidote. Collections and designers pull out all the stops to deliver high-quality collections – some inspiring, some thought-provoking, most both.
Spring Fashion Week 2026 takes place from January 26 to 29, with a total of 28 fashion houses participating, instead of the 29 originally announced in the provisional fashion calendar (due to the cancellation of Giambattista Valli’s show). The calendar includes Dior’s Jonathan Anderson and Chanel’s Matthieu Blazy, as well as Valentino, just a week after the death of founder Valentino Garavani, Giorgio Armani Privé (seen by Silvana Armani after the master’s death) Design), Schiaparelli, Viktor & Rolf, Gaurav Gupta, Alexis Mabille and Julie de Libran’s first fashion show.
“This week showcases both the exquisite craftsmanship of renowned haute couture ateliers and the performative nature of fashion,” said fashion curator Thierry-Maxime Loriot. Regarding the latter, he highlighted Viktor & Rolf’s “breakthrough shows”, Valentino’s “interesting collection of sets and dramas”, Stephane Rolland’s “Winter Circus circus”, Jean Paul Gaultier and Mugler in the 80s and 90s. ‘s showcasing some of their most iconic collections”, Robert Wun’s “cinematic performances” and Schiaparelli’s “which set the bar higher and higher, showcasing technical virtuosity, innovation and elegance season after season”.
Even with awards season in full swing, celebrity competition is fierce. Teyana Taylor, freshly nominated for an Oscar, attended the Schiaparelli show wearing a replica of the Crown Jewels stolen from the Louvre last year. She sat between Demi Moore and Jodie Smith, while newlyweds Jeff and Lauren Sanchez Bezos also sat in the front row. Rihanna, Josh O’Connor, challenger Co-stars Mike Faist and Jennifer Lawrence were in the audience at Dior; A$AP Rocky worked at Chanel with Dua Lipa and Nicole Kidman. Elton John and Kirsten Dunst appear at the Valentino show.
Other highlights of the week include the Saint Laurent menswear show, where creative director Anthony Vaccarello continues to explore masculinity and what masculinity means to Saint Laurent. fierce competitionNew friend of the house Connor Storrie was also among the guests, setting the internet abuzz.
