Paris Fashion Week: A New Wave of Designers and Innovations

PARIS – As we transition into the new year, Paris is poised to breathe fresh life into the fashion landscape with a wave of emerging talent. Eight new fashion houses from regions as diverse as Spain and Saudi Arabia are set to make their long-awaited Paris debuts, according to the latest men’s and couture calendars published by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.

Men’s Fashion Schedule: January 20-25

Between January 20 and 25, the Paris fashion scene will be bustling with energy. A total of 67 brands will take center stage, spread across 35 shows and 32 presentations, showcasing their fall 2026 menswear collections. Kickstarting this exciting week will be Parisian designer Jeanne Friot, making her runway debut on January 20 at 3 p.m. The much-anticipated finale will be held by the iconic Jacquemus on January 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Notable Highlights

This season promises several pivotal moments in menswear fashion. One of the most talked-about events will be the final show of Véronique Nichanian at Hermès. Another major highlight is Jonathan Anderson’s second menswear collection for Dior, which has shifted to January 21 at 2:30 p.m., breaking from its traditional schedule. Hermès, on the other hand, will conclude the menswear show with its grand presentation on January 24 at 8 p.m.

Established Brands Maintain Their Spots

While new names are being introduced, staple brands such as Louis Vuitton, Junya Watanabe, and Comme des Garçons will maintain their usual time slots. The show will offer a balanced blend of the contemporary and the classic, ensuring a rich experience for fashion lovers.

A Shift in Venue

In an interesting twist, Bologna-based designer Luca Magliano will swap a Milan runway for a Paris one, demonstrating the fluid nature of today’s fashion scene. Kenzo, another iconic brand, is choosing to forgo traditional runway presentations for a more intimate approach at founder Kenzo Takada’s former residence.

Absences and Changes

While many brands are making a splash, there are notable absences on the provisional calendar. Lanvin has been unable to commit to a fixed timing since Peter Copping’s debut last January. Loewe has opted for a coed format for its upcoming show in March, marking a significant transition as it presents its first men’s collection under new creative directors Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez.

Fresh Talent on Display

New faces will surely make waves during the Paris Fashion Week. Among them are Eli Russell Linnetz’s brand ERL, which will showcase on January 22, and KML, a Saudi Arabian brand founded by siblings Ahmed and Razan Hassan, recognized as semi-finalists for the prestigious LVMH Prize. Additionally, Barcelona-based designer Sonia Carrasco and Japanese designer Kiichiro Asakawa—with his label Ssstein—will contribute to this diverse lineup.

Highlight: Patou’s Ready-to-Wear Debut

Marking tradition will be Patou, unveiling its fall 2026 ready-to-wear collection on the final day of menswear—January 25, at 3 p.m. Such customary events add a delightful sense of continuity to the rapidly evolving fashion narrative.

Couture Season Kickoff: January 26-29

Following the hype of menswear, the couture spring 2026 season will kick off on January 26, starting with the ever-iconic Schiaparelli at 10 a.m. This week, renowned houses, including Dior, Chanel, and Giorgio Armani Privé, will follow the now habitual schedule, making this a pivotal week for those in couture.

A Significant Loss

It is important to note the emotional weight this couture season carries, particularly as Giorgio Armani Privé’s presentations will be among the first since the passing of the legendary designer in September. This acknowledgment adds another layer of poignancy to an already significant event.

New Comers to Couture

The couture segment will welcome new contributions from Greek designer Celia Kritharioti—whose creations have graced the likes of Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez—and Phan Huy, a newcomer who launched his debut label just last year. Both will present on the final day: Huy at 1:30 p.m. and Kritharioti at 3 p.m., enriching the tapestry of couture offerings.

Closing Ceremony

Capping off the couture week, Germanier will close the schedule on January 29 at 6:30 p.m. The brand is currently in the spotlight with its first solo exhibition in Switzerland at the Mudac Museum, drawing attention to the innovation and creativity of upcoming designers.

A New Partnership

Finally, in an exciting development, the French fashion federation has announced Mercedes-Benz as the exclusive mobility partner for fashion and couture weeks in 2026, indicating a continuing alliance between high fashion and luxury brands.

As the vibrant scene in Paris gears up for this next chapter, it’s clear that the blend of established excellence with innovative new talent will set the stage for a remarkable fashion experience. Fashion enthusiasts worldwide are certain to find much to celebrate within these collections as they unveil in the City of Light.