Fashion has always reflected the cultural zeighiest, providing a visual record of what society feels, fears, or hopes for. Paris Fashion Week, S/S 26 catwalks illustrated how designers are finding ways to translate the political climate into colour, form, and a desire for optimism and joy. Bright hues continued to dominate the shows as both a need for escapism, as well as a coded response to a world grappling with discontent and division.
Miu Miu‘s S/S 26 collection titled “At work”, centred around women’s labour, used the apron as a central symbol. A garment historically associated with domestic, industrial and service work, Miuccia Prada framed it as something that can be both functional and beautiful, intimate and public, drawing attention to how much of women’s work is often overlooked, undervalued, or invisible.
- CHANEL
Chanel – Grand Palais, Paris
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Matthieu Blazy’s debut show as Chanel‘s fourth – ever- Creative Director, saw the Grand Palais transformed into a cosmic space, with oversized planets floating above the runway and a reflective floor that created a “mirror to the cosmos” effect.
- A new era for Chanel and luxury in general – signifying that building a brand identity is about blending heritage with modernity.
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Tweed is still key but moves away from heavyweights to softer viscose blends and looser weaves – re-energised through crafted details including raffia, crochet & a blend from tweed into beading. Tweed knits update classic Chanel suits.
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Masculine-feminine mashup, includes boxy shirts, tailored trousers, and houndstooth checks, paired with floaty dresses, fluid silks, camellias and sheer layers.
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New reinterpretations of classic Chanel bags (notably the 2.55) are updated to feel more lived-in, using exposed or crumpled details.
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Texture and surface interest was key – crushed organza, feathers, silk, tweed, checks, lurex
Chanel
- OPTIMISTIC PATTERN
Miu Miu, Lacoste, Celine, Akriss, Celine
- Bright ditsies at Miu Miu and Celine are key
- Engineered stripes on jersey and wovens
- Bright Argyle knits
- Head to toe abstract bright prints
- LINGERIE LOOKS
Victoria Beckham, Acne, Victoria Beckham, McQueen, Noon
- Lingerie as outerwear continues to evolve as a key trend
- Lace, satin, sheers
- Frills, lace panels & trims, corsetry details
- Tucks & dart details
- FEATHERS
Balenciaga, McQueen, Stella McCartney, Givenchy, Issey Miyake
- Occasion wear features feathers- all over & in trims
- Stella McCartney featured Fevvers, a plant-based alternative to feathers. Produced by a British startup, Fevvers use naturally dyed, grass-blade-like structures stitched to imitate feather effect.
