Fashion insiders, prepare yourselves! Paris Fashion Week Men's Fall/Winter 2026 and Couture Week are poised to be absolutely explosive. But here's the burning question: Will the collections live up to the hype, or will they fall flat? Let's dive into a cheat sheet of what to expect, who to watch, and the potential controversies brewing beneath the surface.
The Men's Fall/Winter 2026 calendar is jam-packed, running from January 20th to 25th, and offering a whirlwind of creativity. This season features 35 traditional runway shows and 32 presentations. Last year, the numbers were slightly different, with 37 shows and 30 presentations in January 2025.
Key Players to Watch:
- Dior (Jonathan Anderson): All eyes will be on Jonathan Anderson as he presents his sophomore men's collection for the iconic house. Can he build on his initial vision and solidify his place at Dior?
- Dries Van Noten (Julian Klausner): Julian Klausner is also showing his second men's collection, stepping into the very large shoes of Dries Van Noten. There's a lot of pressure on him to carry on the brand's legacy of avant-garde design. Some might say it's too soon to judge, but others are already forming opinions.
- Hermès (Véronique Nichanian): Get ready for an emotional farewell! After a remarkable 37 years, Véronique Nichanian is stepping down as creative director of Hermès. Her final collection promises to be a poignant and stylish send-off. This marks the end of an era. But here's where it gets controversial...can anyone truly replace such a long-standing and influential figure?
- Saint Laurent (Anthony Vaccarello): Keep an eye out for Anthony Vaccarello's men’s collection, which will be showcased during Couture Week, blurring the lines between menswear and the exquisite craftsmanship of haute couture.
Day-by-Day Highlights (Men's Week):
- Day One: Louis Vuitton, under the direction of Pharrell Williams, will start PFW Men's with a bang! Expect a spectacle that blends music, art, and fashion. Other exciting moments include Auralee (designer Ryota Iwai), celebrated for its understated elegance, and Jeanne Friot, a newcomer to the official show calendar. Don't forget Saudi label KML's presentation at the Institut du Monde Arabe and the presentation of Paris-based label Meta Campania Collective.
- Day Two: Dubbed "Dior Day" by many, the second day also includes a presentation from Kenzo. Instead of a traditional runway, Kenzo's collection will be unveiled inside Kenzo Takada's former home in Paris. The brand describes this as "a highly symbolic homecoming." Kenzo’s takeover of the house will be an immersive experience curated by creative director Nigo, blending fashion, design, architecture, gastronomy, and music.
- Later on Day Two, American rapper Jaden Smith, Christian Louboutin’s first men’s creative director, will present his highly anticipated debut collection for the brand. Acne Studios will also host an exhibition at Acne Paper Palais Royal, featuring the work of photographer and director Jordan Hemingway.
- Day Three: 3.Paradis will stage a show, fresh off the heels of founder Emeric Tchatchoua's prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres award. KidSuper's Colm Dillane will be signing his coffee table book, The Misadventures of Kidsuper, at cocktail bar Cravan. Ami Paris, led by Alexandre Mattiussi, who also serves as this year's jury president for the Andam Fashion Awards, will close out the day.
- Day Four: Alongside established names like Issey Miyake, Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto, and Dries Van Noten, Thursday features the Camperlab show (the last one by creative director Achilles Ion Gabriel) and Californian brand ERL’s debut presentation on the Paris schedule.
- Later in the Week: Tickets to the Kartik Research show are expected to be incredibly sought after. Founder Kartik Kumra gained significant recognition for the custom tie he designed for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. American designer Willy Chavarria returns for his third season, known for blending social commentary with his designs. Remember last June, when he opened his show with 35 men in white T-shirts in partnership with the ACLU, a powerful statement during a time of immigration raids?
- Weekend Highlights: The weekend is packed with shows from Kiko Kostadinov, Magliano (by Luca Magliano, LVMH Karl Lagerfeld Prize winner), and Véronique Nichanian's final Hermès show.
Couture Week (January 26-29):
Spring 2026 Couture Week will feature 29 houses, up from 28 in 2025. Key moments include the first couture shows from Jonathan Anderson at Dior, Matthieu Blazy at Chanel, and Giorgio Armani Privé by Silvana Armani. Valentino, Schiaparelli, Viktor & Rolf, and Ashi Studio round out the week. Mohammed Ashi of Ashi Studio continues to make waves as the first Saudi designer to join the Paris couture calendar.
Beyond the Runways:
Roger Vivier will present its Pièce Unique Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Sotheby’s will auction the collection of the late Doris Brynner, and Christie’s will auction items belonging to Parisienne Mathilde Favier.
Fashion Hotspots:
For industry insiders, New York City's Sant Ambroeus has opened a Paris location in Saint Germain-des-Près, alongside Cassaro's. Reservations are essential! And this is the part most people miss... these aren't just restaurants; they're networking hubs, places where deals are made and trends are born.
The Big Questions:
- Will the new creative directors at major houses like Dior and Dries Van Noten deliver collections that live up to the legacy of their predecessors?
- How will designers balance artistic expression with social commentary in a world grappling with complex issues?
- Will the trend of blurring the lines between menswear and couture continue to gain momentum?
What are your predictions for Paris Fashion Week Men's and Couture Week? Which shows are you most excited about, and what trends do you anticipate seeing on the runways? Do you think it's right that luxury brands are making political statements? Let's discuss in the comments below!
