Drama, Elegance and Theatrics at Haute Couture Week 2026
As we finally leave the dreariness of January behind and enter the fashion month of February, it would be simply rude not to take a moment to reflect on the history that unfolded on the runways of Paris last week.
It was – to phrase it lightly – a monumental Haute Couture week, one which spanned over four days and oversaw landmark debuts from Jonathan Anderson at Dior and Matthieu Blazy at Chanel. The pair and their media-driven rivalry have dominated headlines since their appointments, and this past week was no exception. In the case of both designers, it was not only their inaugural couture shows with their respective houses, but the first Haute Couture collections they had ever produced full stop.
As part of our ongoing coverage of fashion, runway, and Paris Fashion Week, this season’s couture collections highlighted both innovation and reverence for heritage.
Paris Haute Couture Week Spring 2026 Highlights
Anderson was the first of the two to set the scene, and what an incredible scene he set. The show was staged in a simple white pavilion nestled within the sculpture garden of Musée Rodin – a fitting location given the floral influence present within the collection. When questioned on what acted as the key influence behind the looks, Anderson explained his main source of inspiration lay with cyclamen flowers gifted to him by none other than John Galliano – who left the industry open-mouthed when he attended the show.
Ultimately, it was an array of colour and texture that exploded on the runway, with Anderson reimagining the classic Dior silhouette and allowing the horticultural influence to seep through. The closing look with Mona Tougaard as the bride – well, that requires no real words.
Dior Spring Couture 2026
The highly anticipated Chanel show was held the following day, and with the weight of the world on his shoulders, Blazy once again delivered. The Grand Palais was transformed into a whimsical forest featuring giant mushrooms and pink weeping willows, somewhat reminiscent of the extravagant sets used by one of his predecessors, Karl Lagerfeld.
However, the collection was a clear return to Coco’s Chanel, with a 1920s influence trickled throughout. Birds were also used as a key source of inspiration, reflected through the use of light, airy materials and the inclusion of feathered details.
Chanel Spring Couture 2026
Whilst the Dior vs Chanel debate defined the week, there was much excitement elsewhere. Daniel Roseberry perhaps even overshadowed the two, with a stellar collection for Schiaparelli – his lucky 13th for the house – maintaining his position as one of Paris’ top courtiers.
Largely inspired by a trip to the Sistine Chapel, the collection was a living definition of the phrase ‘fashion is art’, as Roseberry skilfully played with shape, movement and structure. Wings sprouting from the back of a strapless dress and claws emerging from the breasts were everything haute couture should be – artistic, experimental and verging on the edge of strange.
Schiaparelli Spring Couture 2026
Meanwhile at Valentino, despite a star-studded front row featuring the likes of Tyla and Dakota Johnson, eyes were firmly on the clothes. Held mere days after the passing of Valentino Garavani, the show acted as a beautiful tribute.
The opening look was rather tame – a deep plunging gown in the iconic Valentino red that debuted in 1959 – but as the show developed, avant-garde silhouettes and thrilling headpieces entered the conversation. An art-deco theme was present throughout, alongside the bold patterns and colours we’ve come to love Alessandro Michele for.
Valentino Spring Couture 2026
A final standout show came from Robert Wun. Entitled ‘Valor: The Desire to Create and the Courage to Carry On’, the idea that theatrics would be involved wasn’t a far stretch – and theatrics certainly followed.
Sharp lines, pointed shoulders and breasts, combined with touches of graceful femininity through Wun’s signature butterflies, proved a perfect formula. The standout look was an encrusted gown weighing an astounding 40 kilos, featuring an estimated three million glass beads.
Robert Wun Spring Couture 2026
Long story short, Haute Couture week was diverse and captivating. We witnessed excitement as designers found their footing at top houses, while others delivered the masterclasses we’ve come to expect. As fashion month looms and ready-to-wear collections take over, don’t forget the craftsmanship demonstrated by these designers in their most coveted couture creations.