Paris Haute Couture Week Recapped: Here’s What You Missed

By Katherine Moore

January wrapped up with a stunning Haute Couture week in Paris, for the Spring/Summer 2026 season. This year it felt like more of a fashion cultural reset than a regular showcase. Dior’s Jonathan Anderson, Chanel’s Matthieu Blazy, and Armani Privé’s Silvana Armani (after the passing of her uncle and founder Giorgio Armani) debuted their first collections as the new creative directors of their houses. Dior showcased floral and natural elements into its silhouettes while also blending inspiration in from Dior’s archives and heritage. Chanel brought whimsy to the runway, with a collection inspired by fantasy elements. Blazy used classic Chanel staples like the tweed jacket and added a twist, with a more relaxed, whimsical feel and lighter silhouettes, and included birds as elements throughout. Armani Privé debuted a collection of fine-tailoring and serenity. It focused on using a light color palette and silky fabrics while contrasting to sharp tailoring and poised silhouettes. The overall feel of this couture week was fashion that is wearable. The clothes looked incredible and artistic, but also like something a woman could actually wear to work or an evening out. 

This season also came with the fashion community still mourning the passing of Valentino Garavani, an iconic house founder leaving behind a rich legacy. As an era of Valentino comes to an end with his passing, a new era must be found and reimagined, and this started with their runway show that paid homage but also continued Valentino Garavani’s legacy. 

Mint was the color of the runway this season. It brought a sense of fresh air and lightness to the runway, coloring everything from tailored suits to silk dresses, and bags to shoes. It felt like a reflection of the current state of the fashion industry, which is to be a calming presence in a time of uncertainty in the world. 

With everything going on in current times, people sometimes see Haute Couture as out of touch. However, Haute Couture is art. Every piece is made with the hands of many, and so much creativity and precision goes into creating each and every tiny detail. You can still appreciate Haute Couture without owning it, and understand its value as art. In a world that moves so fast, Couture reminds us that intentionality and detail still matter.