As the curtain falls on another season of haute couture, Paris proved once again that it remains the ultimate destination for fashion’s dreamers. Paris Couture Week began with Schiaparelli, making headlines worldwide not only for the collection but because Zendaya appeared at the London premiere of The Odyssey mere hours later in the closing look. Then came monumental debuts, from Pierpaolo Piccioli at Balenciaga to Indian designer Manish Malhotra, who appeared on the official calendar for the first time. In between, fantasy took over – from balloon-like creations at Robert Wun to Chanel and Dior delivering fairytale worlds. Here are MOJEH’s highlights from Paris Couture Week Autumn/Winter 2026.
Temple Run At Rahul Mishra
Since making history in 2020 as the first Indian designer on the official couture calendar, Rahul Mishra continues to deliver fashion as poetry. His latest collection, Devi: The Eternal Muse, drew inspiration from the architecture and ancient deities of South India. Models walked like living, breathing statues, styled in Mishra’s signature draping, embroidery and goddess-inspired headdresses. Within his array of statement pieces, the designer made room for pared-back designs (by couture standards) dedicated to his more minimal clientele.
Robert Wun’s Runway Was No Child’s Play
Robert Wun used his latest collection, Childsplay, to deliver a clapback to critics calling his work too literal. Drawing from the uninhibited imagination of childhood, Wun populated his Dôme de Paris runway, watched by Cardi B and Fan Bingbing on the FROW, with a lesson in theatrical tailoring. From a pink musicbox headpiece to a mermaid gown adorned with a massive glittered butterfly, the playfulness was infectious, proving that sometimes the ultimate couture flex is simply remembering how to have fun.
Duran Lantink’s Debut Couture Show At Jean Paul Gaultier
Duran Lantink’s official, permanent appointment at Jean Paul Gaultier came with plenty of anticipation, and his inaugural couture collection did not disappoint. Moving past the House’s guest designer era, Lantink offered up a theatrical, Marie Antoinette-inspired playground that subverted anatomical silhouettes. The runway was filled with gravity-defying marvels, from trains cascading forward from the waist to tubular structural gowns, proving the enfant terrible spirit is in capable hands.
Stars at Schiaparelli
Daniel Roseberry’s The Call of the Void collection for Schiaparelli was a high-concept fashion spectacle, but the front-row star power was equally eye catching. Best-dressed honours went to Bad Bunny, taking a tour break to spectate in a butter yellow suit, and Emma Corrin in a pastel feather jacket complete with sharp talons. The ultimate power move? Law Roach pulling off a private jet heist, delivering the show-closing, white porcelain-effect bustier gown directly to Zendaya in London just hours after it was showcased on the Paris runway.
Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Debut Couture Collection At Balenciaga
Pierpaolo Piccioli’s debut couture collection for Balenciaga was nothing short of what one would call fashion’s finest, honouring founder Cristóbal Balenciaga’s iconic shapes while adding his own unique touch. Standout moments included Gigi Hadid walking the runway in a black feathered cocoon dress, and an upgraded, crystal-studded mesh take on the iconic Le City bag that’s destined for the hands of fashion’s favourites.
A Science Lesson At Iris van Herpen
Leave it to Iris van Herpen to turn high fashion into a science lesson. Her latest collection explored the invisible forces of the universe, quite literally lighting up the runway by embedding glowing plasma gas inside hand-blown tubes. Attached to meticulously beaded and fluidly draped gowns, the garments grew increasingly complex as the show progressed.
Alexis Mabille Does A Double Take
Duality was the name of the game at Alexis Mabille, where the designer challenged audience’s perceptions with garments that were never quite what they seemed. Each look on the runway began as a single silhouette before transforming into an entirely different second ensemble with a quick shift in styling. Anchored in a classic colour scheme of black, silver and gold, it was couture that embraced theatricality and functionality at once.
Jonathan Anderson’s Sophomore Collection At Dior
A mere 72 hours after breaking the internet as the designer behind Taylor Swift’s top-secret NYC wedding dress, Anderson staged his Autumn 2026 Dior Couture show in Paris. While the designer stayed tight lipped about Swift’s actual bridal look, he did send a wedding-worthy dress down the runway for the finale: a semi-sheer, hand-pleated white chiffon piece layered with dégradé lace, beaded ferns and feather dandelions. The collection was an homage to American sculptor Lynda Benglis, leaning heavily into accordion-style pleating and nature-inspired silhouettes.
Storytime With Chanel
Chanel’s creative director leaned into whimsy for his haute couture collection, transforming the runway into a fantasy land complete with beanstalks and sprawling vines. It was a (literal) storybook moment as the opening model walked the runway carrying a book of fairy tales from Coco Chanel’s personal library. The clothes followed suit, delivering early-twentieth-century layering and intricate floral accessories that wouldn’t look out of place on a modern-day Disney princess.
