Get ready for a fashion revolution in Paris! The city of lights is set to welcome a diverse and talented group of designers, bringing fresh perspectives and international flair to the runways.
A Global Fashion Extravaganza
Paris, the fashion capital, is gearing up for an exciting January with a lineup of 67 brands showcasing their fall 2026 menswear collections and 29 couture houses presenting their spring 2026 designs. From January 20th to 29th, the city will buzz with creativity and innovation.
But here's where it gets interesting: eight new houses, representing countries like Spain and Saudi Arabia, will make their Paris debut. Imagine the fusion of cultures and styles that will grace the runways!
Highlights and Changes
The men's calendar kicks off with a bang, featuring the runway debut of Parisian designer Jeanne Friot. And the week concludes with the iconic Jacquemus. But the real buzz is around two notable changes: Véronique Nichanian's final show at Hermès and Jonathan Anderson's second menswear collection for Dior. Both shows have shifted from their traditional slots, creating an air of anticipation.
Cornerstone Brands and Surprises
While some brands like Louis Vuitton, Junya Watanabe, and Comme des Garçons maintain their usual times, others are shaking things up. Magliano, a Bologna-based designer, swaps Milan for Paris, and Kenzo opts for an intimate presentation at the founder's former home, a departure from the typical runway format.
And this is the part most people miss: the absence of Lanvin and Loewe from the provisional calendar. Lanvin, since Peter Copping's debut, has shown at various timings, and Loewe is taking a different approach for its March show.
Newcomers and Fresh Faces
The presentation lineup welcomes newcomers like ERL, founded by Eli Russell Linnetz, and KML, a Saudi Arabian brand that made it to the LVMH Prize semi-finalists. Barcelona's Sonia Carrasco and Tokyo's 2025 Fashion Prize winner, Ssstein, founded by Kiichiro Asakawa, are also joining the fray. Patou, a tradition-keeper, will unveil its fall 2026 ready-to-wear on the final day of menswear.
Couture Week: A Royal Affair
Couture week begins with Schiaparelli, a customary opener, followed by the habitual schedules of Dior, Chanel, and Giorgio Armani Privé. The Italian house's shows on Tuesday will mark its first couture presentation since the passing of founder Giorgio Armani in September, a poignant moment.
Jean Paul Gaultier, however, is off the calendar this season, with plans to return in March. And making their couture debut are Greek designer Celia Kritharioti, whose designs have adorned Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Queen Rania of Jordan, and Phan Huy, a Paris-based designer from Vietnam.
The couture schedule closes with Germanier, whose solo exhibition is currently on display at Switzerland's Mudac Museum.
A New Partnership
In a separate announcement, the French fashion federation revealed Mercedes-Benz as the exclusive mobility partner for its fashion and couture weeks in 2026, adding a touch of luxury to the proceedings.
So, fashion enthusiasts, what are your thoughts on these exciting changes and new talents? Will Paris' fresh crop of international designers live up to the hype? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments!
