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.
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.
Feathered Friends
© Corbis via Getty ImagesWatching 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 ColomerJonathan 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.
Zendaya
© WireImageClearly, 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.
