Paris Fashion Week has wrapped, and after a whirlwind of 67 shows, the verdict is in. While the runways were full of spectacle — from Chanel’s construction site chic to Stella McCartney’s live horses — the real story is in the clothes you’ll actually want to wear, and the major moments everyone is talking about. Here are the five key trends and three major moments that defined Paris Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2026.

The Major Moments

1. Kate Moss & Bella Hadid Own the Runway (and the Front Row)

This was the season of the supermodel. Kate Moss made a surprise runway return, closing Demna’s debut Gucci show in Milan before holding court front row at Saint Laurent and Tom Ford in Paris. Not to be outdone, Bella Hadid also made a surprise runway return at Saint Laurent, walking in a show that marked the 60th anniversary of the iconic Le Smoking tuxedo.

2. Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel Triumph

Matthieu Blazy’s sophomore ready-to-wear collection for Chanel was the undisputed highlight of the week. Staged in the Grand Palais amidst 15 towering, brightly coloured cranes, the show was a masterclass in modern Parisian chic. The collection was so hotly anticipated that Chanel’s Rue Cambon boutique was reportedly sold out of Blazy’s debut collection within days of it dropping. With a front row that included Margot Robbie, Lily-Rose Depp, and Oprah, it’s clear that the Blazy effect is in full swing.

3. The End of an Era at Alaïa

Pieter Mulier took his final bow at Alaïa after a five-year tenure that has been celebrated for its architectural precision and rigorous vision. In a touching tribute, the show space was decorated with portraits of the Alaïa atelier team. The show was a celebration of the house’s core tenets — minimal, pure, essential — and a fitting farewell to a designer who has left an indelible mark on the brand.

The Key Trends

1. The Le Smoking Tuxedo

With Saint Laurent celebrating the 60th anniversary of its iconic Le Smoking suit, it’s no surprise that sharp tailoring was a key story of the season. From classic single-breasted styles to more modern, deconstructed takes, the tuxedo is back in a big way. It’s a look that is both powerful and timeless, and a perfect alternative to the traditional evening dress.

2. The Thigh-High Boot

If there was one shoe that dominated the Paris runways, it was the thigh-high boot. At Givenchy, they were the undeniable star — sleek, second-skin, and leg-lengthening. This isn’t the over-the-knee boot of seasons past; this is a statement silhouette that is both powerful and surprisingly wearable.

3. Sheer Lace & Lingerie Dressing

Lace is having a major moment, and it’s not just for the bedroom. At Saint Laurent, Tom Ford, and Gabriela Hearst, lingerie-inspired lace was front and centre, with delicate camisoles, slip dresses, and peekaboo details layered under sharp tailoring. It’s a look that is both sensual and sophisticated, and a perfect way to add a touch of romance to your autumn wardrobe.

4. The Drop-Waist Dress

Matthieu Blazy’s key silhouette at Chanel was the drop-waist dress. Belted low on the hips, these dresses create a long, lean silhouette that feels both relaxed and refined. It’s a nod to the 1920s, but with a thoroughly modern attitude.

5. Cottagecore & The Call of Nature

From the ruffled, frou-frou skirts at Chloé to the lily-pad-inspired shoes at Dior and the live horses at Stella McCartney, there was a definite return to nature on the Paris runways. It’s a look that is both romantic and whimsical, and a welcome antidote to the hard-edged tailoring of seasons past.