Paris Fashion Week is always a spectacle, but this year, Louis Vuitton managed to turn the grandeur of the Louvre into something unexpectedly intimate. On September 30 and October 1, 2025, the iconic French fashion house unveiled its Spring-Summer 2026 womenswear collection, inviting guests to step inside a world where luxury isn’t about ostentation, but about comfort, serenity, and the quiet confidence of feeling at home.
The show took place in the former summer apartments of Queen Anne of Austria, nestled within the storied walls of the Louvre. Instead of the typical runway, creative director Nicolas Ghesquière—who’s been at the brand’s helm since 2013—transformed the space into what felt like a lived-in Parisian apartment. According to Prestige, scenographer Marie-Anne Derville blended furniture and artworks from different eras, creating a setting where history and modernity mingled seamlessly. The result? A catwalk that felt more like a stroll through someone’s cherished home than a parade of high fashion.
The theme of intimacy was more than just set dressing. Ghesquière titled the collection “In Praise of Intimacy as an Art de Vivre,” emphasizing the idea that the ultimate luxury is found in the private sphere. “The atmosphere I wanted to share was really that serenity one feels when in the comfort of one’s home,” Ghesquière told reporters, as cited by AFP. This sentiment came alive in the clothes themselves. Models walked to an airy jazz soundtrack, with Hollywood star Cate Blanchett’s voice reciting lyrics from Talking Heads’ “This Must Be the Place,” set to music by Tanguy Destable. The effect was soothing, almost meditative—a far cry from the high-octane theatrics that often define Fashion Week.
As the first looks emerged, it was clear the collection leaned into what Prestige called “lounge luxury.” Think pajama-style silk trousers, oversized cardigans, and loose bermuda shorts in muted stone and cream tones. Robe-like coats, some paired with slipper-inspired footwear, blurred the lines between private and public life. The message? Comfort and ease are no longer confined to the home—they’re the new hallmarks of high fashion.
But don’t mistake comfort for dullness. As the show progressed, Ghesquière introduced shimmer and structure: sequined dresses caught the light, fringed gowns swayed with every step, and supple leathers added a touch of edge. Tailored cigarette trousers and sharp collars brought a sense of order, while romantic details—sheer overlays, corseted bodices, and airy, flouncy skirts—softened the overall look. The color palette moved from soft stone and cream to delicate pastels like pink and powder blue, offering a gentle nod to spring’s renewal.
Accessories played their part, too. Familiar Louis Vuitton codes were reimagined in cardigans with deep pockets and monogram bags given a fresh twist. The label’s classics, such as the iconic “Speedy” bags and colorful “pochettes,” made appearances, grounding the collection in the house’s storied tradition even as it looked to the future.
One of the show’s most striking features was its cast of attendees. Hollywood A-listers Emma Stone and Zendaya were spotted in the audience, lending a touch of star power to the proceedings. According to AFP, their presence underscored the show’s significance in a season marked by big changes across the industry. Around ten major brands—including Chanel, Balenciaga, Loewe, Dior womenswear, and Jean Paul Gaultier—were set to unveil debut collections from newly appointed creative directors. The moment was seen as a chance not just to spotlight fresh talent, but to help revive demand at a tricky time for luxury fashion.
Indeed, the industry faces some stiff headwinds. As AFP reported, high-end clothing groups are grappling with slowing demand from wealthy clients in China, U.S. tariffs on exports, and a general sense of economic uncertainty worldwide. Against this backdrop, Ghesquière’s decision to focus on intimacy and ease felt both timely and quietly radical. Rather than chasing spectacle, the collection offered what many might crave in turbulent times: familiarity, comfort, and the simple pleasure of dressing beautifully for oneself.
That’s not to say the collection lacked drama. Flouncy skirts, sculptural ruffles, and exaggerated Peter Pan collars—echoing stylistic influences from the 1960s—brought a playful, almost whimsical energy to the runway. Some models donned turban-like headpieces with free-flowing tunic-inspired garments, adding a touch of the exotic to the otherwise domestic setting. The balance of comfort and drama, as Prestige noted, was key: “Ghesquière balanced comfort with drama, delivering both wearable pieces and striking statements.”
The show’s soundtrack and narration added another layer of meaning. Cate Blanchett’s recitation of “This Must Be the Place”—a song about finding one’s sense of belonging—underscored the collection’s central message. The music, combined with the home-like setting, created an atmosphere of serenity and nostalgia, inviting the audience to reflect on what luxury really means in today’s world.
Other designers made their mark on the same day, with Belgian designer Dries Van Noten, French brand Courreges, and Britain’s Stella McCartney all presenting their own visions for the season. But it was Louis Vuitton’s embrace of intimacy and ease that seemed to capture the zeitgeist. In an era where the boundaries between public and private life are increasingly blurred—and where uncertainty is the only constant—Ghesquière’s collection offered a gentle reminder that true luxury is about feeling at home, wherever you are.
As Paris Fashion Week continues, all eyes will be on how these shifts in the definition of luxury play out across the industry. One thing’s for sure: Louis Vuitton’s Spring-Summer 2026 collection has set a new standard, proving that sometimes, the most powerful statements are made not with spectacle, but with simplicity and heart.
