The Fall 2026 Haute Couture shows in Paris were a spectacle of creativity and elegance, despite the sweltering heat. Designers and makeup artists collaborated to create enchanting looks that captivated audiences worldwide. From gilded beauty to avant-garde fashion the week was a testament to the boundless imagination of the fashion industry.
The runway was a canvas for artistic expression, with designers like Chanel, Dior, and Armani Privé presenting collections that pushed the boundaries of traditional couture. Celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike flocked to the shows, eager to witness the latest trends and innovations. The week was not just about fashion; it was a celebration of artistry and craftsmanship.
The Gilded Beauty Trend
The gilded beauty trend dominated the runways, with designers incorporating shimmering gold and glittering details into their collections. At Chanel, makeup artist Lucia Pieroni created gilded faux lashes and glittering wings that complemented the gold-painted pin curls designed by hairstylist Duffy. Dior’s creative director of makeup, Peter Philips, showcased sparkling liner, while Ana Takahashi at Viktor & Rolf designed golden crystal wings.
Makeup artist Andrew Gallimore described the aura-like glowing celestial skin he created for Iris Van Herpen’s collection as a parade of goddesses from another universe. The champagne shimmer from Anastasia Beverly Hills Iced Out Highlighter played a crucial role in achieving this ethereal look. The gilded beauty trend was a nod to the opulence and grandeur of a bygone era, reimagined for the modern world.
Fairytale Bows and Whimsical Accessories
The fairytale bows trend added a touch of whimsy to the couture collections. Designers like Germanier, Dior, and Ashi Studio incorporated bows into their designs, creating a sense of playfulness and nostalgia. At Duran Lantink’s debut couture collection for Jean Paul Gaultier, hairstylist Holli Smith secured velvet bows with tails that trailed the floor, evoking a sense of fairytale magic.
Robert Wun’s fairytale-and-anime-inspired runway featured oversized dreamlike ribbons secured by hair artist Ali Pirzadeh. Viktor & Rolf’s glittering updos, sculpted into bows by hairstylist Olivier Schawalder, added a touch of sparkle to the trend. Even Jennifer Lopez sat front row at Zuhair Murad, her hair tied in a big black velvet ribbon, embodying the spirit of the fairytale bows trend.
Zero-Part Hair: Sleek and Sculpted
The zero-part hair trend was a standout feature of the week, with hairstylists creating sleek, sculpted looks that swept hair away from the face. At Michael Stewart’s Standing Ground runway, hairstylist Duffy met the moment with models in gelled hair that flowed into a seamless ouroboros in the back. Guido Palau kept hair sleek at Balenciaga and Schiaparelli, eschewing any part for a straight-back slick.
Elie Saab and Ashi Studio also featured partless slicks, with hair artists Jawara and Eugene Souleiman creating powdered, partless waterfalls. Julie de Libran’s runway, set between reformer machines, captured the spirit of a pilates princess, with artist Zoe Lentahl dusting chalk through models’ hair for a powdered, partless look. The zero-part hair trend celebrated the natural beauty of dancers in motion, highlighting the elegance and simplicity of the style.
Smokey Wings: A Timeless Classic
The smokey wings trend brought a touch of drama to the runways, with makeup artists creating winged eyes in various forms. At Chanel, Lucia Pieroni applied black feathery lashes for floating wings that mirrored the week’s favorite birdlike flourish. Bahareh Ardakani’s Ardazaei runway featured feline flicks at the edges of eyes, painted by makeup artist Lynsey Alexander.
Makeup artists Marcello Costa and Lloyd Simmonds smudged out sooty gazes for Ronald van der Kemp and Alexis Mabille, respectively. Silvana Armani’s sophomore collection for Armani Privé, inspired by the boudoir, featured makeup artist Hiromi Ueda sketching and softening Armani Beauty’s Smooth Silk Eye Pencil in shade #4 on lids for a diffused effect. The smokey wings trend was a nod to the timeless classic, reimagined with a modern twist.
Celebrity Glamour: Heatwave-Proof Beauty
The week was not just about the runway; it was also about the celebrity glamour that graced the front rows. Zendaya swapped her bixie for extra-long, goddess-like lengths, crafted by Coree Moreno. Ella Bright’s new clavi-cut was styled in relaxed, tousled waves by Rena Calhoun, while Mia Goth’s hair was glossed-to-the-gods by Christian Wood.
Zoe Taylor gave Grace Gummer a soft-touch bronze and a sun-dappled highlight to sit front row at the Dior couture show. The celebrity looks were a testament to the heatwave-proof glamour that dominated the week, with stars embracing the summery aesthetics and reveling in the beauty trends.
Cardi B: The Couture Queen
Musician Cardi B was a standout figure at the couture shows, consistently proving her understanding of the assignment of attending fashion week. She pulled off multiple outfit changes, each look more theatrical and striking than the next. Cardi’s fashion choices were a testament to her commitment to dramatic, over-the-top glamour.
At the Rahul Mishra show, Cardi wore a custom sculptural gown inspired by the silhouette of a statuette, featuring tromp l’oeil anatomical details and draped folds. For a Chopard dinner, she emerged in a cobalt-blue Georges Chakra Couture creation, consisting of a sequined bodysuit worn underneath a sheer tulle cape, embellished with feathers. Her avant-garde getup at the Robert Wun show featured a strapless gown with a fitted bodice and extra-wide mermaid skirt, complete with matching red opera gloves and earrings.
Cardi B’s fashion choices were a highlight of the week, showcasing her ability to embrace the dramatic and over-the-top glamour that defines couture week. Her commitment to the mood and vibe of each ensemble made her a standout figure in the fashion world.
