Paris Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2026 (January 26–29) transformed the end of January into a week of pure fantasy and extreme craftsmanship. From Matthieu Blazy’s debut at Chanel to Jonathan Anderson’s poetic vision at Dior, the season was defined by softness, emotion, and clothes that felt like wearable art rather than spectacle.
The mood across the collections was intimate and romantic: flowing silhouettes, hand-embroidered details, exaggerated volumes in the most delicate fabrics, and a palette of pastels, soft neutrals, and deep jewel tones. Couture reminded us that in 2026, the ultimate luxury is time, skill, and emotion.
Matthieu Blazy’s first Chanel haute couture collection was a surprise highlight. He took the house codes (tweed, camellias, chains) and turned them into something dreamy and surreal. The set was a giant mushroom forest with pink willow trees, creating a whimsical wonderland. Models walked in sheer layers, sculptural tweed suits, and gowns with feather-light embroidery. It felt young, fresh, and deeply Chanel.
Jonathan Anderson at Dior continued to impress with his second collection. He focused on bows, draping, and architectural yet soft silhouettes — think voluminous skirts made of hundreds of tiny bows, floral-embroidered dresses, and fluid capes. The show was held in a minimalist white space with marble floors, emphasizing the precision of the craftsmanship.
Other notable presentations included Gaurav Gupta’s sculptural gowns, Armani Privé’s elegant restraint, and Schiaparelli’s surrealist touches. Street style around the shows was equally inspiring: editors in long coats over couture-inspired layers, celebrities mixing high and low, and the general atmosphere of quiet excitement.
The week proved that couture in 2026 is not about excess — it’s about emotion, heritage, and the joy of seeing something impossible made real by hand.
