Paris has always had a way of making you feel like you’re either exactly where you need to be or hopelessly behind the curve. Right now, walking through the Tuileries, that feeling is sharper than ever. We’re standing on the edge of a massive seasonal shift. The air is crisp, the city is humming, and the fashion world is bracing for a series of shows that feel less like a simple change of clothes and more like a total cultural reset.
If you’ve been watching the industry lately, you know things have been chaotic. Designers are moving between houses like pieces on a chessboard, and the clothes are starting to reflect that restless energy. This year isn’t about one “big” look. It is more of a tug-of-war between a tech-obsessed future and this deep, almost spiritual longing for things that feel archival and real.
The Men’s Game: Farewell to the Old Guard
Let’s talk about the men first, because the energy there is genuinely electric. You’re going to see a lot of people talking about the “End of an Era” at Hermès. After nearly four decades, Véronique Nichanian is taking her final bow. It’s a huge deal. Her work has always been the gold standard for that “if you know, you know” luxury—no loud logos, just perfect fabrics. Word is that her final collection acts as a love letter to the archives, with silhouettes that feel so permanent they look like they’ve lived in your wardrobe forever.
Then there is the sheer blockbuster energy Pharrell brings to Louis Vuitton. He’s been leaning hard into this “LVERS” community vibe, and this season looks to be no different. You’ll likely see more of that dandy-meets-streetwear aesthetic, but with a heavier focus on artisan textures. Think embroidery that looks hand-done and bags that feel like heirlooms.
And then there’s Jonathan Anderson. He’s showing his second men’s collection for Dior as the house’s sole lead, and the buzz is deafening. His debut was weird in the best way possible—literary, sharp, and slightly off-kilter. This time around, people are expecting him to push the tailoring even further. It’s geared toward the guy who wants to look smart but wouldn’t be caught dead in a standard office suit.
Women’s Trends: The “Real Life” Rebellion
For the women, things are getting interestingly complicated. Have you noticed how everything on your social feed has started to look the same? Well, the designers have noticed too, and they seem over it. The big takeaway for the upcoming women’s shows is what some are calling “Informed Shopping.”
It’s a move away from the digital-first “outfit of the day” and toward clothes that actually feel good to wear in person. You’re going to see a lot of “Radical Simplicity.” Think back to the mid-90s—clean lines, crisp white shirts, and denim that actually looks like denim. Chanel, now with Matthieu Blazy at the helm, is leading this charge. His early work for the house focuses on “liquid architecture”—pieces that move with the body rather than just sitting on top of it.
But before we get swept up in the high-concept drama of the runways, there is the reality of right now. While the shows are busy predicting the future, most of us are just trying to navigate the biting January chill without losing our sense of self. If you’re feeling the post-holiday slump, we’ve put together a guide on how to ditch the tinsel and lean into the winter essentials that actually make sense for your wardrobe this month. It’s about finding those anchor pieces that bridge the gap between “runway dream” and “morning commute.”
Here’s what you should actually look for in your own wardrobe:
The Cinematic Skirt
We’re talking volume. Think asymmetrical cuts and layers that actually have some weight and movement. It’s about drama that works when you’re walking, not just when you’re standing still for a photo.
Vintage Pinks and “Cloud Dancer”
Forget the neon. We’re seeing a lot of dusty, aged pinks and a specific creamy off-white called Cloud Dancer. It feels soft, calm, and expensive.
The Return of the Brooch
I know, it sounds like something your grandmother would wear. But the “Poetcore” trend is real. People are pinning heirloom-style jewelry onto oversized blazers or even just beat-up denim jackets. It adds a bit of soul to an outfit.
A Seismic Shift in the Houses
The sheer number of debuts this season is enough to give you whiplash. We’re watching 14 different creative directors present their first or second collections. It’s a lot to keep track of. One of the most anticipated is Demna’s new direction for Gucci. The whole industry is watching to see if his signature edge will translate to the Italian house with a bang or a whisper.
There’s also a lot of talk about the “Napoleon-inspired” utility wear coming out of houses like McQueen. Think epaulettes, frogged buttons, and sharp, square shoulders. It’s a bit militant, a bit regency, and very bold. It’s the kind of look that makes you stand up a little straighter just by putting it on.
Why This Season Matters
Honestly, it feels like we’re finally moving past the era of “disposable” trends. Whether it’s the men’s focus on heritage at Hermès or the women’s shift toward “Poetcore” and tactile minimalism, there’s a sense of permanence in the air. People are tired of buying things they’ll hate in six months.
You’ll see more local brands popping up in the street style photos, more vintage pieces mixed with high fashion, and a general sense that “cool” is now defined by how much you actually like your clothes, not how many likes they get on a screen.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to dig out your old brooches and invest in a massive, floor-sweeping skirt, or is the “Radical Simplicity” of a perfect white shirt more your speed? I’d love to hear which of these shifts actually feels like something you’d wear.
Drop a comment below and let’s talk about which designer you’re rooting for this season. And if you want to stay ahead of the curve as the rest of the shows unfold, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for live updates from the streets of Paris.
Sources:
- www.fhcm.paris/en/upcoming-seasons-and-previous-editions
- www.fashionweekonline.com/paris/february-march-2026
- www.nestore.com/en/guidelines-pop-up-shops/paris-fashion-week-dates-programmes
- www.sortiraparis.com/en/what-to-do-in-paris/shopping-fashion/articles/240356-paris-fashion-week-the-provisional-schedule-for-men-s-fall-winter-2026-2027-runway-shows
- www.wallpaper.com/fashion-beauty/mens-fashion-week-aw-2026-what-to-expect
All images are created with AI
1 Comment