Paris Fashion Week has always been synonymous with spectacle, but on the evening of September 29, 2025, Saint Laurent managed to set a new benchmark for showmanship and style under the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower. With creative director Anthony Vaccarello at the helm, the iconic fashion house unveiled its Spring 2026 collection in a show that was as much about reinvention and defiance as it was about clothes. The city buzzed with excitement as luminaries from across the globe arrived, making the event not just a celebration of fashion, but a cultural moment in its own right.
The runway was a study in contrasts, beginning with a nostalgic nod to the 1980s. According to Saint Laurent, Vaccarello drew inspiration from the era’s corporate dressing, translating it into a modern context that felt both familiar and daring. Models strutted out in sharp leather separates, skirt suits, and matching sets rendered in black, deep brown, and white. Dramatic pussybows and sky-high slingbacks completed the look, instantly conjuring images of power-dressing executives and boardroom intrigue. The effect was both retro and refreshingly current—a reminder that fashion’s cycles are never truly linear.
But Vaccarello wasn’t content to simply revisit the past. As the show progressed, the collection evolved, introducing an array of Robert Mapplethorpe-inspired trench coats and knee-length dresses. These pieces, cast in saturated lollipop hues—think yellow, red, purple, orange, and blue—shimmered beneath the Eiffel Tower’s iconic lights. The bold color choices injected a sense of nighttime extravagance, a theme that ran through the entire presentation. The collection’s literal and figurative evolution was on full display, culminating in a visual feast that left attendees and online audiences alike buzzing.
One of the most talked-about moments of the night came courtesy of Bella Hadid, who commanded the runway in a knee-length golden dress. Her look was completed with amber-framed sunglasses and crystal statement earrings dripping with red gemstones, a combination that perfectly encapsulated the show’s spirit of subversive glamour. The image of Hadid striding confidently beneath the Eiffel Tower quickly made the rounds on social media, further cementing the show’s place in fashion history.
It wasn’t just the clothes that caught the eye. The set itself was a masterstroke of symbolism and beauty. White gardenias, meticulously arranged to spell out “YSL,” provided a fragrant and visually striking motif. According to Saint Laurent, this garden of blooms was a deliberate nod to the collection’s central theme: the many nuances of beauty and how they manifest in different aesthetics. In an era where the definition of beauty is constantly evolving, Vaccarello’s message was clear—there’s no single way to be beautiful, and fashion should reflect that diversity.
The finale drove this point home with a parade of massive ruffled gowns in a riot of colors and textures. Whether crafted from silky, matte, or sheer fabrics, the dresses floated and billowed in the evening breeze, each one more dramatic than the last. Statement necklaces and earrings added a touch of regal extravagance, ensuring the show ended on a high note. The effect was nothing short of breathtaking—a celebration of individuality and self-expression that resonated with everyone in attendance.
Of course, no Paris Fashion Week would be complete without its share of celebrity sightings, and this season was no exception. The front row at Saint Laurent was a who’s who of the entertainment and fashion worlds. Madonna, Kate Moss, Charli XCX, Rosé, Teyana Taylor, and Christopher Briney were just a few of the stars spotted taking in the show, according to Page Six. Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, Lourdes Léon, Renée Zellweger, and Lila Moss also made appearances, their presence adding an extra layer of glamour to an already dazzling evening.
The celebrity turnout wasn’t limited to Saint Laurent. Paris was awash with famous faces all week long, as stars flocked to shows by Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, Courrèges, and L'Oréal. Photos and coverage from Page Six highlighted the week’s hottest front rows and runway moments, showcasing everyone from Johnny Depp and Helen Mirren at Stella McCartney to Zendaya and Emma Stone at Louis Vuitton. The city truly lived up to its reputation as the fashion capital of the world, with each show offering its own unique take on the season’s trends.
Yet, despite the star power and spectacle, it was Vaccarello’s vision for Saint Laurent that stood out as a defining moment of the week. His ability to blend nostalgia with innovation, and to celebrate the evolving meanings of beauty, struck a chord with both critics and fans. The collection’s journey from structured officewear to exuberant evening gowns mirrored the process of self-discovery—a theme that felt particularly resonant in uncertain times.
Fashion has always been a reflection of the cultural moment, and this season’s Paris Fashion Week was no exception. The emphasis on reinvention, diversity, and self-expression felt especially timely, offering a sense of hope and possibility. As the models took their final walk beneath the illuminated Eiffel Tower, it was clear that Saint Laurent’s Spring 2026 collection wasn’t just about clothes—it was about embracing change and finding beauty in all its forms.
As the crowds dispersed and the city settled back into its usual rhythm, the impact of the show lingered. For those lucky enough to attend, and for the millions watching online, it was a reminder that fashion is more than just fabric and design. It’s about storytelling, identity, and the power to transform—not just ourselves, but the world around us. And if the buzz from Paris is any indication, Anthony Vaccarello and Saint Laurent have once again succeeded in capturing the spirit of the times.
