Chanel

Mattieu Blazy has officially made his Haute Couture debut for Chanel , and it was nothing short of memorable. “Haute Couture is the very soul of Chanel – it is the foundation and the full expression of the House. These are clothes that are as much about the wearer as the designer. It’s the clothes worn that give them a true story; their own story and an emotional resonance, giving women a canvas to tell their own story.” He wrote in the show notes.

But this was more than a study in the brand’s soul; it was a bold reinterpretation of an iconic house, through the eyes of a visionary.

Set within an enchanted landscape, the show unfolded like a modern fairytale. There was joy in the palette, confidence in the silhouettes, and a sense of lightness that ran from the atelier to the front row. Raven black looks showcased the precision of the tailleur, balanced by the softness of flou, while intricate embroidery, pleating, and weaving conjured plumage without relying on feathers.

Birds appeared as motifs and metaphors, from pigeons to spoonbills, herons to cockatoos, gathering briefly beneath towering mushrooms before vanishing again. Symbols of freedom or simply creatures of beauty, they anchored the collection in nature while allowing it to drift into fantasy. In true couture fashion, it paused, mesmerised, and then disappeared, leaving behind the feeling of having witnessed something fleeting and special.

Armani Privé

Giorgio Armani’s niece, Silvana Armani, now at the helm of the brand’s womenswear division, presented her first Armani Privé Haute Couture collection following the passing of her uncle last year. The show was charged with emotion and quiet confidence, where unmistakable Armani codes met a softened, modern sensibility.

Titled Jade, the collection celebrated the harmony of the stone’s pastel hues. Shades of jade green, blush pink and white were set against graphic black, creating a poised visual balance. That sense of harmony carried through fluid, vertical silhouettes crafted in satin and silk, designed to move effortlessly with the body.

Sparkling gowns, clean pillar shapes and gentle pastels appeared alongside origami-like fabrications, resulting in a collection that felt refined, considered and assured. Everything rested gracefully on the form: masculine-inflected tailoring with jackets stripped back to their essence, embroidered bustiers paired with sharply cut trousers, column dresses animated by precise draping, midi tunics opening to reveal perfectly tailored pants, and fine-fringed pullovers.

An elegant tribute to legacy, Jade marked an exciting new chapter for Armani Privé, one that looks forward without losing sight of its foundations.

Stéphane Rolland

Stéphane Rolland transformed the Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione into a world of couture fantasy for his Spring Summer Haute Couture presentation, delivering a spectacle that blurred fashion, performance and art. Set beneath the historic circus dome, aerial performers floated above a circular red runway, heightening the drama of a show that felt as cinematic as it was refined.

Against this striking backdrop, Rolland’s designs commanded attention. Fluid silhouettes, sculptural volumes and rich fabrics moved with quiet confidence, echoing the grandeur of the space. The collection drew inspiration from the poetic world of the circus, with subtle references to clowns reimagined through a high glamour lens. Balloon trousers, jumpsuits and voluminous coats played with circles and squares, nodding to Cubist influences that recall Picasso’s paintings.

Presented before France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron, and attended by Heart Evangelista, Andra Day and Lisa Rinna, the show also carried a philanthropic purpose, with proceeds supporting the Fondation des Hôpitaux. A powerful, poetic moment of Parisian couture.

Schiaparelli

Schiaparelli opened the shows, setting a dramatic and uncompromising tone for the week ahead. Presented on a cold Paris morning, Daniel Roseberry’s latest offering, titled The Agony and the Ecstasy, drew direct inspiration from a recent visit to the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, where the enduring power of Michelangelo’s ceiling became the emotional starting point for the collection.

Rather than focusing solely on form, Roseberry shifted inward, designing from feeling rather than appearance. That instinct shaped a series of exploratory silhouettes charged with symbolism and intensity. Scorpion tails, stingers, and serpentine motifs emerged through sharp strokes and sculptural lines, transforming couture archetypes into powerful, almost mythical figures. Craft sat at the centre of the narrative, from hand-cut lace treated as a three-dimensional bas-relief to feathers painted, crystallised, and layered with neon tulle for depth and shadow. The result was a collection that felt visceral, fearless, and deeply emotional, celebrating both the imagination and technical mastery of the Schiaparelli ateliers.

Dior Couture 

Jonathan Anderson made a striking entrance into the world of haute couture with his much-anticipated debut for Dior. Staged at the Musée Rodin and attended by an A-list audience including Rihanna, Jennifer Lawrence, Anya Taylor-Joy, and former Dior Creative Director John Galliano, the Spring/Summer 2026 collection felt nothing short of magical. Moss and cyclamens crowded the ceiling, setting the scene for a couture fairytale rooted in nature, memory and Dior’s rich heritage.

Leaning into the house’s iconic backstory, Anderson presented twisted silk gowns, sculptural leather coats, architectural silhouettes and shimmering sequin minidresses. Accessories became storytelling devices, from orchid-shaped earrings and tasselled evening bags to jewellery crafted from meteorite shards and fossils. Cyclamen appeared as pom-pom earrings and floral embellishments, nodding to Christian Dior’s lifelong love of gardens and the natural world. Whimsical yet precise, the collection balanced fantasy with craftsmanship, marking a confident and captivating new chapter for Dior Couture.

Georges Hobeika 

Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika presented a refined vision of romance shaped by emotion, elegance and craftsmanship. Designed by Hobeika alongside his son Jad, who has joined him at the helm of the Maison in recent years, the collection unfolded as a graceful meditation on love in all its complexity.

Glamorous gowns swept the runway in a soft palette of neutrals and delicate pastels, their fluid silhouettes and intricate detailing evoking a sense of effortless beauty. Lace, embroidery and subtle sparkle were used with restraint, allowing each piece to feel both timeless and quietly modern. This was a collection inspired by love as a transformative force, one that makes us vulnerable yet free and deeply connected to others and to ourselves. 

Rahul Mishra 

Rahul Mishra’s collection, Alchemy, explored the boundaries between art, nature and design. Presented as a poetic exploration of the elements, the collection moved through fire, earth, air and water in a sequence of shimmering, gravity-defying looks, both ethereal and deeply considered. Mishra translated the natural world through his signature craftsmanship, using thousands of hours of meticulous hand embroidery to build texture and movement. Threads, beads and sequins were layered with extraordinary precision, forming flames, rolling waves and subtle currents of wind across the body.

Sculptural silhouettes and accentuated lines were softened by fluid materials, creating an abstract dialogue between structure and motion. Each piece suggested nature not as something fixed, but as a living, evolving force – a common theme we are already seeing across this season’s collections. 

The Égérie collection brings together the worlds of haute horlogerie and haute couture, taking inspiration from the independent and charismatic woman of today. The video reflects that spirit, with Narjes shown displaying her free-form brush techniques, with the message of spreading togetherness and solitude. 

Narjes has been pursuing calligraphy art since 2000and her works have been showcased across the UAE, from ‘The Shining Letters’ chandelier at Sharjah Museum to the ‘Diwan Osha’ murals at the Women’s Museum. She’s also credited with introducing Sheikh Zayed’s poem ‘How Beautiful This World Is’ in an opera performance that was influenced by her Arabic calligraphy art. Together with Narjes and Vacheron Constantin, we wish you a very happy Eid.

Images courtesy of Vacheron Constantin

M MISSONI

Kicking off NYFW is the high-end Italian fashion label lauded for its vibrant knitwear, bold colors and striking prints. The brand is helmed by Margherita Missoni, granddaughter of Ottavio Missoni, who started the family’s fashion house in 1953. Margherita’s mission is to create a world for M Missoni that is fun, light, colorful and easy.

Naeem Khan

Widely acclaimed for his hand-embroidered gowns, dresses and modish separates, the designer of Indian-American descent always leaves an indelible impression on the audience. His repertoire of high profile clientele includes Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, First Lady Michelle Obama and Queen Noor of Jordan. His designs have also been featured on silver screen classics, Sex & the City and Dream Girls. Since its launch in 2003, the brand has been very well received, with pieces being sold in more than 100 stores globally. Naeem Khan was also instated as a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2008.

Alejandra Alonso Rojas

Alejandra Alonso Rojas’s understated yet meticulous attitude towards women’s casual luxury wear has bolstered her position as one of fashion’s most revered stars.  Born and raised in Madrid, Alejandra is a fourth generation hand-knitter. Her designs are rooted in Spanish tradition and also inspired by her modern New York lifestyle. Having a keen eye for tailoring, her designs are made with the finest resources. The brand also endorses conscientious manufacturing and sustainable production practices.

Noon By Noor

The first ever GCC brand to be invited by IMG to New York Fashion Week, Bahrain’s luxury womenswear label Noon by Noor is known for infusing Eastern and Western styles for its sharply tailored and clean silhouettes. Established by designers and cousins Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa, the brand has been part of each season at NYFW since 2012. Celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Solange Knowles, Alexa Chung, Blake Lively, Katy Perry and Coco have been seen donning the brand’s designs.

Jonathan Simkhai

Founded in 2010, Jonathan Simkhai’s luxury ready-to-wear designs are meant for the contemporary woman, drawing inspiration from female strength and sensuality. This is achieved by the use of custom-made fabrics, romantic silhouettes, and contoured outlines. Through his designs Jonathan strives to imbue women with confidence. Simkhai’s creative process is influenced by his desire to push the envelope. His work often explores the convergence of technology and hand-made artisanship.

Image credits: Nyfw, Naeemkhannyc, Mmissoni, Jonathansimkai, Alejandraalonsorojas, Noonbynoor

The Lebanese couturier’s SS20 collection descended upon the runway with looks that reflected Elie Saab’s distinct aesthetic vocabulary, and this time, they were an exquisite meditation on the regal pasts of Europe and Imperial Mexico. He painted an intriguing visual of a woman who receives a letter summoning her to Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City, an imperial residence that marries the marvel of European and Mexican architecture. There, she wanders about in couture, immersed in swirls of embroidery and pearl embellishments that glisten from afar.

So intrinsically Elie Saab, the collection is bedecked with ruffles, rosettes and bows, and silhouettes that range from bodices to long capes and trains exuding femininity. Also think about tulles, bishop sleeves and floral motifs including azaleas. And then, there’s the Elie Saab bride in a dress so special it could bring a tear. The bridal gown’s intricate detailing means that Elie Saab spent days perfecting it and it shows. No surprises that this is a collection filled with glitz, glamor and glory.

Georges Hobeika’s Sardinian sensation

Set in Paris’ Théâtre National de Chaillot at Haute Couture Week this month was Georges Hobeika’s show that summoned up the beaches of Sardinia. A feminine collection that will transport you to the bygone era of the 1950s, the collection features strong influences from the Mediterranean coast, evoking an image of its glistening sand and azure water. Hobeika deeply draws on nature and the ideas of freedom and entertainment.

Hobeika is known to think big and he does so in this collection with the use of large fringed sleeves, shoulder pads and oversized hats with fringes that bring to mind the umbrellas that lace the vast expanses of Italian beaches. The resulting pieces boast a superb mix of techniques, including laser cutting and openwork patterns in vibrant spurts of color, all referencing the maison’s impeccable craftsmanship.

Rami Al Ali’s orchid obsession

Syrian couture designer Rami Al Ali’s collection unfolded at the exquisite Hotel Le Meurice in Paris and featured 22 creations, all giving a nod to the orchid. The collection isn’t just about the beauty of the flower but also about what the flower represents – delicate, decadent and a work of art. Architectural silhouettes are an inherent part of the designer’s offerings and this collection was no less sculptural, with a color palette ranging from lime green to coral to turquoise, all flecked with gold. A celebration of textures and materials including tulle, organza, muslin, Mikado and silk, this is a thoughtful collection that’s Rami’s tasteful take on minimalism.

Rabih Kayrouz’s worldview

Amidst the Lebanese revolution, Rabih’s SS20 collection pays homage to resilient women who swim against the tide in a world rife with distress. A deeply contemplative show, Rabih’s pieces took to a silent runway, creating an eerie setting that summoned up the deafening impact of political and economic crises around the world.

The pieces have delicate silhouettes and feature geometric patterns that create a sense of symmetry in a world gone awry. Rabih has always been a strong proponent of strong and elegant women and this collection is a tribute to their unwavering spirit.  Using contrasting fabrics, from cotton toile to sleek silks to wool-cashmere blend, Rabih’s collection features impeccable tailoring and craftsmanship. 

Rami Kadi’s Kaleidoscope of Color

The Lebanese designer took a different route to showcase his SS20 collection via a cyber fashion show that went live across his maison’s social media channels. The collection takes a cue from a kaleidoscope, which reflects in both its colorways and 3D techniques. A heartfelt commentary on the ongoing environmental crisis, the pieces pose a pertinent question: Is it possible to reconcile the true with the beautiful?

Using layering, varied hues, materials and shapes, Kadi has created a symphony of texture and pattern that plays with light. “The beautiful does not need embellishment, nor does it need filters,” he says. “The beautiful is free-standing, and it is one and the same with reality. This is why only transparency is worthy of the beautiful. My quest is for enhancing the beauty of what is real through transparency.”

Zuhair Murad’s Egyptian Embrace

The Lebanese designer is known for producing exotic collections and his SS20 collection is no different. Debuted at Paris’ Hotel Potoki, the theme ‘Féminines Sacrées’ offered a trip to Egypt. Egyptian Queens Nefertiti and Isis, among others, are the inspirations behind this collection, as they all left an indelible mark on the country’s history with their beauty and power. Zuhair’s distinct collections are cut and embellished in a way that’s characteristic of his design.

Each piece is a lesson in timeless elegance and attention to detail. From bold necklines to scintillating breastplates bedecked with jewels, all the pieces in the collection shone bright on the runway. Textiles from silk tulle, brocade, silk muslin, lurex, to duchess satin have been used with a color palette featuring cyan, eglantine pink, turquoise, vermilion, and opalin, which bring out the regal theme of the collection.

Set in central Paris at the Palais de la Decouverte, Tony’s show opened with jaw-dropping designs boasting magnificent detail and artistry, with a color theme ranging from pure white to aqua to bright yellow. The collection revolves around the idea of ‘soft’ geometry and draws inspiration from shapes, such as the Mandala. The sustainability aspect seeped in beautifully with the idea of circular philosophy and reusing materials. Superb, we say.

The Lebanese design extraordinaire has just rolled out a home ware collection and it’s just what we like to call couture for your home. After working together on an interior design project for Emaar, Elie Saab is working with Corporate Brand Maison again to explore more avenues on the luxury furniture front. 

“Over the years, the brand Elie Saab has evolved into a lifestyle brand, through the development of diversified product categories that deliver a unique experience of the brand’s universe,” he said in a release. “Creating a home collection is a natural next step for our lifestyle brand, and we have chosen Corporate Brand Maison as a partner who is perfectly geared towards supporting our ambitions in developing and creating timeless signature furniture collections and interior design projects that embody the DNA of our brand and touch every aspect of ‘living’.”

Elie Saab’s premiere furniture collection it set to be launched during Salone Del Mobile that will be hosted in Milan in April 2020. Staying true to the brand’s design aesthetic, the line includes living, dining, bedroom and lighting pieces, all inspired by organic shapes and a soft palette in the haute couturier’s signature style. Sophistication at its best, Elie Saab’s luxury furniture line will make for a fabulous living space.

Armani Cruise 2020 collection

“I’m very happy to be back in Dubai after 10 years, especially on the occasion of the Expo 2020 which will place a great emphasis on the city, Giorgio Armani said in a statement. “Dubai is a luxurious and fascinating place with a soul focused on the future, always in pursuit of the imagination; and it’s the perfect place to present my Giorgio Armani Cruise 2021 collection,” he added. Armani hosted its Cruise 2020 show at Tokyo’s National Museum, as a nod to the brand’s longstanding relationship with the Japan.

Cover image: @Armani

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The French maison follows in the footsteps of luxury brands including Gucci and Burberry, which are roping in people for similar jobs. Prada has similarly been adapting, recently launching its Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council.

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This development comes as a part of the industry’s collective mission of filling the void, following a series of accusations and criticism of fashion houses for creations that have been deemed culturally inappropriate.

Hopefully this is a sign of things to come with other luxury brands.

Images Courtesy of the Brand