Paris Fashion Week marks ‘Return to Elegance’

A global creative shake-up

Following Milan’s dramatic season, Paris introduced a wave of new creative directors at nearly ten major houses. Highlights included Matthieu Blazy’s debut at Chanel, Jonathan Anderson’s first womenswear for Dior, and Pierpaolo Piccioli’s start at Balenciaga. Chanel’s Bruno Pavlovsky noted that “succession and renewal” were shaping the industry all at once.

Commercial, not radical

Despite the buzz, critics observed no revolutionary changes. While Chanel impressed, Dior and Balenciaga drew mixed reviews for focusing on safe, commercial designs over risk-taking. Analysts called it “creativity under constraint,” as brands aimed to reassure existing clientele rather than shock.

Feminine silhouettes and subtle sensuality

Designers shifted away from streetwear toward feminine sophistication. Flowing skirts, pleats, ruffles, and 1950s-inspired silhouettes dominated, often paired with sheer fabrics and bold cutouts. “We’re craving more elegance,” said fashion journalist Marie Ottavi. Harrods’ Simon Longland called the season “a love letter to refined femininity.”

The white shirt revolution

One of the strongest trends was the reinvention of the white shirt. Nicole Kidman attended Chanel’s show in one, while brands like Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, and Carven reimagined it in dramatic ways—from floor-length trains to bow-tied and inverted silhouettes.

Independent designers steal the show

Emerging labels dazzled with conceptual presentations. Alain Paul turned his runway into a ballet audition hall, Gauchere fused fashion and dance with Benjamin Millepied’s choreography, and Casablanca hosted a vibrant show at the American Cathedral, blending gospel and house music.

Star power and spectacle

Celebrity appearances were plentiful: Madonna, Charli XCX, Penelope Cruz, Zendaya, and Johnny Depp graced front rows. The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, made a surprise appearance at Balenciaga, while Helen Mirren opened Stella McCartney’s show by reciting Beatles lyrics to a captivated crowd.