Paris Couture Week Showcased Feathered Looks, Aerial Stunts and Fur

Paris Couture Week in late January 2026 drew the global elite to runways and streets to view spring 2026 couture, according to a Style Outside visual column by Simbarashe Cha published Jan. 31, 2026. Cha described two defining spectacles: at Schiaparelli several models emerged in feathered garments that suggested wings, and at Viktor & Rolf a model was dressed in real time like a kite and then lifted by cables to float above the crowd, a theatrical feat met with a standing ovation.

The column noted contrasts among major houses, saying Chanel offered pared-down elegance while Dior presented elaborately constructed garments. It also reported that Dior’s show included some polarizing guests and that fur appeared on coats, collars and trims. Photographs in the piece captured numerous attendees and figures at the shows, including Jodie Turner-Smith with stylist Law Roach at Schiaparelli; Tilda Swinton and Nicole Kidman at Chanel; Lauren Sánchez Bezos and Jeff Bezos and the pop mogul Rihanna at Dior; Dakota Johnson and Léna Mahfouf at Valentino; Farida Khelfa and Carla Bruni at Dior; and Teyana Taylor at Schiaparelli.

Cha’s visuals highlighted a range of details on the runways and streets: soft ruching and pleating, sequins and stones, big fur coats and fur trim, corsages and bows framing faces, bold prints, unconventional neck ties, sleek leather gloves and manicured gloves at Chanel.

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