The hottest week in haute couture was accompanied by scorching temperatures as the biggest names in fashion and celebrity descended on Paris for Couture Week. Over four days, brands including Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, Chanel and Dior showcased custom, handmade designs that take hundreds of hours to create — shows so exclusive that the French fashion industry's governing body must invite designers to present.
Schiaparelli's creative director Daniel Roseberry titled his Autumn/Winter 2026-2027 collection “The Call of the Void”, describing it as “a total surrender to an unknown creative process”. His eye-catching designs drew a star-studded audience: rapper and actor Bad Bunny attended his first haute couture week in a butter yellow suit, taking a break from the European leg of his world tour. Actress Emma Corrin wore a pastel-coloured feather jacket with dangerous-looking talons. American rapper Cardi B arrived for the Robert Wun show.
“Paris Couture Week 2026 saw celebrity-packed shows from Schiaparelli to Balenciaga amid a heatwave.”
Balenciaga's first couture collection under Pierpaolo Piccioli — the former Valentino man — honoured founder Cristóbal's signature styles and shapes. Gigi Hadid walked an outdoor runway in a black feather cocoon, with all looks showcasing flowing designs in a variety of textures and colours. Each look provided breathing space for models and attendees — a relief during a heatwave. Actor Hudson Williams also attended.
Duran Lantink, appointed permanent creative lead at Jean Paul Gaultier last April, presented his much-anticipated inaugural haute couture show. The collection centred on transformation, playfulness and high theatre, inspired by Marie Antoinette — though the full details were cut short in the source.
Haute couture week, which happens twice a year, attracted other celebrities including Sabrina Carpenter. The parade of custom-made artistry unfolded against a backdrop of sweltering heat, underscoring the intensity — and the craftsmanship — of fashion's most exclusive event.