All the biggest moments and trends from Couture Fashion Week AW26

Ah, Couture Fashion Week – the most illustrious addition to the fashion calendar. Taking place in Paris twice a year, the A-listers and elite style set flock to the City of Light to drink in the most incredible looks from the most dazzling designers the world has to offer.

And AW26 has certainly been no exception. We’ve been treated to light-up gowns (courtesy of Iris van Herpen) and many a feather (spied at Chanel and Schiaparelli.) Couture Fashion Week is undoubtedly the hottest ticket in town, with Paris’s Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode controlling proceedings. While some may say it’s all a little out of touch, for the fashion community, it’s the industry at its undiluted best.

The schedule has seen the likes of Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga and Fendi send models storming down the runway, and Gigi Hadid returning to the catwalk for Balenciaga. On the FROW we saw iconic stars such as Demi Moore and Sarah Jessica Parker, alongside new-kids-on-the-fashion-block – Off-Campus’ Ella Bright and Heated Rivalry‘s Hudson Williams. Plus, Euphoria’s Alexia Demie at Chanel. 

And here at H! Fashion, we had Keni Silva and Victoria Barbara reporting direct from the FROW. So read on for the biggest moments and top trends spotted at AW26 Couture Fashion Week…

Fairytale Magic

© Launchmetrics

There was a touch of whimsy rippling through the City of Light this week, with designers from Chanel to Schiaparelli leaning towards the more magical side of life. For example, heels inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk were spotted at Chanel, and Roger Vivier showcased pieces that looked like they could have been plucked straight from a Brothers Grimm tome. 

At Schiaparelli, dresses looked as if they had been rolling around on a magical forest floor, picking up colourful flowers as they frolicked, and Dior transformed their show space into a leafy woodland.

Notable Debuts

There were a couple of highly anticipated debuts on the Couture calendar this season, with Maria Grazia Chiuri showcasing her debut Couture collection for Fendi. The pieces were described as an indulgence for the body – not constraining but moving to your rhythm, in a satisfying monochrome palette with metallic touches. 

Elsewhere, Irish designer Michael Stewart’s debut caused a stir among the crowds, cementing his place as a bright star of couture. Paying homage to his Irish heritage, the show closed with Kristen McMenamy in an incredible white wedding dress in Carrickmacross lace. 

Keni Silva was one of the lucky stars to get a spot at the Iris Van Herpen show, so of course, we caught up with her post-show to get her Couture week insight… 

What goes into preparing an outfit for couture week?

There is a lot of planning behind every look. It starts with research, reference photos, mood boards, and discussions with my stylist, Layal El Radi, about the best direction to take. Couture Week is fashion without limits – it’s where creativity takes over, and every look becomes an opportunity to experiment, evolve, and tell a story while staying authentic to your personal style. We always strive to find that balance between pushing creative boundaries and remaining true to who I am.

What is always in your handbag whenever you’re at a show?

A good lip combo for quick touch-ups! It’s the one thing I never leave behind. 

Most exciting celeb spot this season?

I love seeing the mix of celebrities, designers, and creatives all in one place. Honestly, every time I turned a corner, there was someone exciting.

Any tips on surviving the current heatwave without compromising on style?

Honestly, once Couture Week starts, I don’t even think about the weather – fashion takes over! Of course, I choose lightweight fabrics whenever I can, but Couture is all about creativity. If the look is incredible, who cares if it’s a little hot? A beautiful silhouette is always worth it.

Feathered Friends

© Corbis via Getty Images

Watching Couture this week made me want to run out and pluck some feathers from the nearest pigeon and attach them to my outfit. Of course, I left our feathered friends in peace, but the humble feather has been given a serious high-fashion overhaul. 

Most notably, Emma Corrin arrived at the Schiaparelli show in an incredible multicoloured feathered jacket looking absolutely sensational, even if she did have a bit of difficulty getting into her cab post-show.  Who said high-fashion was easy, eh? Meanwhile, at Chanel, brightly coloured feathers adorned dresses, jackets and the fashion house’s signature skirt suits. 

Art School

© Christian Colomer

© Christian Colomer

Jonathan Anderson’s couture show for Dior was, as expected, a highlight of the week. Classic Dior tailoring was given a fresh twist, with pleats a plenty and many a metallic. The fashion house collaborated with sculptor Lynda Benglis, with her Kissel sculpture transformed into a strapless silver dress for the show. Echoes of the sculpture also appeared on bags and headpieces. 

“The collection is about looking at materiality and form from another angle. Looking at the abstraction in material, ultimately,” said the celebrated designer of his second Couture collection for the French fashion powerhouse. 

Victoria Barbara headed to the John Paul Gaultier show – always a highlight on the Couture Fashion week calendar and we couldn’t wait to hear the star’s secrets to surviving a (boiling hot) fashion week appearance…

What goes into preparing an outfit for couture week?

It starts with conversations with the maisons and careful planning. Every show has its own identity, so I think about how my look complements the occasion while still feeling authentic to my personal style. Couture Week is a celebration of craftsmanship, and I enjoy pushing myself creatively each season.

What is always in your handbag whenever you’re at a show?

Always my phone – it’s essential for taking notes and documenting the collections throughout the day. I also keep a pair of sunglasses and a compact mirror for quick touch-ups between shows.

Most exciting celeb spot this season?

One of my favourite parts of Couture Week is seeing so many inspiring people in one place. It’s always exciting to see some of fashion’s biggest icons arriving at the shows, but what I enjoy most is the incredible creativity and energy that surrounds the week.

Any tips on surviving the current heatwave without compromising on style?

I like to embrace a lighter summer colour palette when temperatures rise. I tend to move away from darker shades and lean into white, cream, and other soft neutrals that feel fresh while reflecting the heat.

Zendaya

© WireImage

Clearly, The Drama actress has Daniel Roseberry on speed dial. Just hours after the Schiaparelli closing look strutted down the runway in Paris, it was whisked to London for Zendaya to sport while walking the red carpet for the latest Christopher Nolan flick The Odyssey. We can only imagine the stress that courier was under.