5 must-see shows at Paris Fashion Week SS26 Women's Paris, land of all beginnings

After a rather frenetic Fashion Week in Milan, the buzzing little world of the fashion sphere lands in Paris this Monday morning for the SS26 Women’s Fashion Week, which promises to be perhaps even richer in surprises and emotions than the previous one. With a season that sets a record number of debuts for Paris Fashion Week, expectations for the capital are high. Between major discoveries, the second collections of designers who still have everything to prove, and the presence on the calendar of emerging creators eager to show all of Paris what they are made of, the schedule looks busy. So busy, in fact, with no fewer than 76 shows and 36 presentations, that Fashion Week will stretch over 9 days, from September 29 to October 7.

From this packed schedule, we have selected the 5 most anticipated shows of Paris Fashion Week SS26 Women’s, not to be missed under any circumstances.

1. Matthieu Blazy’s debut at Chanel

It is safe to say that the presentation of Matthieu Blazy’s first collection for Chanel is the most anticipated moment of the year for the fashion industry as a whole. After a complicated period for the Rue Cambon House under Virginie Viard, public expectations for Chanel are high. Even higher considering that the one about to take the reins is the designer who managed to dust off and make cool again a house as significant as Bottega Veneta. See you on Monday, October 6 at 8pm to discover how the Franco-Belgian designer will reinterpret tweed and the camellia.

2. The return of a permanent creative director at Jean Paul Gaultier

The house of Jean Paul Gaultier is also about to undergo a renewal, this time with a slightly more emerging designer: Dutchman Duran Lantink. For the first time since the founder’s departure in 2020, the brand will have a new permanent in-house designer. After staging one of the most talked-about shows of FW25 and winning the International Woolmark Prize, 2025 truly seems to be Duran Lantink’s year. His first collection for Jean Paul Gaultier will be presented on Sunday, October 5.

3. The rebirth of Maison Lanvin?

Just a week ago, Lanvin once again captured the attention of fashion lovers and history enthusiasts by deciding to recolor its packaging with its iconic blue, paying tribute to Jeanne Lanvin and her legacy. A return that may well serve as an Easter egg for Peter Copping’s second collection for the House, which will be presented on Tuesday, September 30, in an early afternoon show. With Copping’s appointment in June 2024, the brand has repeatedly proven it is undergoing a targeted transformation, aiming to redefine its position in contemporary culture. Tomorrow’s show could therefore be a decisive moment for the House.

4. The media comeback of Matières Fécales

2025 has undoubtedly been the year of Matières Fécales. Between the success of their SS25 collection, closing with a fallen angel that went viral, the unwavering support of Rick Owens, a recent arrival at Dover Street Market Paris, and the custom outfit worn by Lady Gaga on the main stage at Coachella last April, the duo behind this unusual brand has shone brightly this year. While we don’t yet know what surprises Matières Fécales has in store for tomorrow’s show, one thing is certain: we won’t have seen it coming.

5. zomer and its upside-down fashion

Last season, zomer made its mark on Paris Fashion Week with its inside-out outfits, invisible bags, and vibrant colors. This week, the duo behind the brand will return in force on Tuesday, September 30, with a highly anticipated show. Revealed through the LVMH Prize, where it reached the finals, zomer seems to be taking off more and more each season. Whether this success comes from the brand’s refusal to showcase dark tones, thereby adding more color to the industry, or from its playful mockery of it, one thing is certain: once again this Fashion Week, we won’t be missing zomer’s show.