




Paris Fashion Week SS26: A Season of Debuts, Reinvention, and Forward-Looking Creativity
Paris Fashion Week spring/summer 2026, held from September 29 to October 7, delivered an extraordinary showcase of creativity, fresh talent, and bold reinvention. According to Simon Longland, director of buying for fashion at Harrods, the season marked “an extraordinary reset” that highlighted both emerging designers and forward-thinking collections from iconic houses.
High-Profile Debuts Steal the Spotlight
This season saw some of the most eagerly awaited debuts in recent fashion history. Matthieu Blazy at Chanel, Jonathan Anderson at Dior, and Pierpaolo Piccioli at Balenciaga presented collections that seamlessly combined respect for heritage with a modern vision.
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Chanel: Blazy’s debut, staged at the Grand Palais under a solar-system-themed set, showcased crisp shirting and playful elegance rooted in Coco Chanel’s menswear inspirations. Longland praised it as “nothing short of a masterclass,” noting its balance of tradition and contemporary flair.
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Dior: Jonathan Anderson’s first womenswear collection at the Jardin des Tuileries received a standing ovation. From reimagined Bar jackets to flowing red-carpet gowns, the collection fused couture with everyday elegance. Longland described it as “a revolution rather than an evolution,” highlighting the designer’s fresh take on Dior heritage.
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Balenciaga: Pierpaolo Piccioli’s debut blended archival inspiration with modernity, from sculptural gowns to elevated basics. With Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on the front row, the collection was hailed as “both powerful and poetic,” signaling a confident new chapter for the brand.
A Season of Renewed Purpose
Beyond the debuts, PFW SS26 displayed a renewed sense of creativity and direction across accessories and ready-to-wear lines. Longland also highlighted favorites from Tom Ford, Alaïa, Schiaparelli, The Row, Céline, and Givenchy, noting each collection’s ability to honor its heritage while appealing to a contemporary global audience.
With high-profile debuts and a palpable energy of reinvention, Paris Fashion Week SS26 has set the tone for fashion’s next era, proving that heritage and innovation can coexist to create striking, relevant, and commercially resonant collections.
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