Paris Fashion Week launched on Monday with an air of anticipation, as Saint Laurent and Weinsanto opened the Spring-Summer 2026 season. The event sets the stage for a week of dramatic industry shifts, with more than a dozen major houses introducing new creative directors.
Fashion insiders say this season represents one of the most significant turning points in decades. “We’re opening a new chapter, not so much for Fashion Week itself, but for what fashion will be over the next 10 years,” noted Pierre Groppo, editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair France.
The spotlight is firmly on Chanel, where Franco-Belgian designer Matthieu Blazy will unveil his first collection on October 6. At just 41, Blazy becomes only the fourth creative director of the legendary fashion house. Poached from Bottega Veneta, he faces the challenge of following Karl Lagerfeld’s long dominance and Virginie Viard’s continuity era.
Another highlight is Dior, where Jonathan Anderson will present his first women’s collection on October 1. Known for his innovative menswear, Anderson is expected to bring fresh energy to the LVMH powerhouse.
Balenciaga also makes headlines with Pierpaolo Piccioli stepping in to replace Demna, who has transitioned to Gucci. Piccioli’s refined approach contrasts with Demna’s edgy streetwear aesthetic, marking a pivotal creative shift.
The week will also see Duran Lantink debut at Jean Paul Gaultier as its first permanent artistic director since the founder’s retirement. Vogue France editorial director Claire Thomson-Jonville described this season as “historic,” emphasizing the global, inclusive, and responsible vision brought by these new leaders.
Alongside these debuts, established names like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Celine, and Thom Browne promise a packed schedule. Designers presenting their sophomore collections—often considered a truer test than debuts—include Sarah Burton at Givenchy, Glenn Martens at Maison Margiela, and Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford.
Victoria Beckham will showcase her latest designs on October 3, just days before the premiere of her Netflix documentary, adding celebrity allure to the already star-studded event.
The high-profile debuts come at a challenging time for the luxury sector, which faces slowing demand in China, looming U.S. tariffs, and wider global economic uncertainty. Fashion leaders hope the creative shakeup will re-ignite excitement and sales across the industry.
With no shortage of headline-making shows, critics and fashion enthusiasts agree: Paris Fashion Week 2026 is not just a showcase of clothes, but a defining moment for the future of luxury fashion.